Chief of Police

Port of SeattleSeaTac, WA
Hybrid

About The Position

This position is considered critical, essential, and at-will. The Chief of Police is responsible for ensuring appropriate law enforcement services are provided at SEA, the Seaport, and other Port of Seattle properties, under the direction of the Port of Seattle’s Deputy Executive Director. This “at-will” role works with Port Executives and Business Unit leaders to develop, fund, and execute strategies and service levels to facilitate continuity of operations and enhance public safety. The Chief collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and state and federal partners to ensure the highest level of security on Port facilities. This role is responsible for all functions and activities of the Police Department. Lead a police agency that provides world class law enforcement services and that protects and ensures safe passage through the Port of Seattle jurisdiction. Performs all duties as the chief law enforcement officer of the Port of Seattle to ensure appropriate enforcement of laws and public peace and order. Maintains a shared vision for the Police Department and inspires others to work towards it. Communicates strategic vision and demonstrates commitment to it. Inspires others and the department to the highest levels of achievement. Establishes strategic plans, goals, objectives, and department policies. Directs all Police Department activities including personnel management, budget, resource allocation, and operational decisions to ensure goal attainment. Works effectively with Executive and Elected Commissioners on achieving Port’s goals and objectives. Demonstrates effective communication skills by establishing and maintaining effective channels of communication and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, state and federal law enforcement, and regulatory entities to ensure security, public safety, and continuity of operations on Port properties. Represents both in public and private life, the Port of Seattle and its Police Department with community members, business partners, internal customers, and other stakeholders in a manner that instills trust and legitimacy. May act as and perform job duties of direct and indirect reports on an as needed basis. Applies equity and exemplifies shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.

Requirements

  • Eight (8) years of experience as a law enforcement senior leader, deputy chief, commander, or performing similar functions in a police department/agency, including responsibility for police department operational activities, such as strategic planning, policies, programs, budgeting, forecasting, and/or compliance or risk mitigation.
  • Six (6) years of experience supervising police department and/or agency staff which must include supervision of other supervisors.
  • Washington State Certified Peace Officer or ability to acquire certification within 6 months of employment.
  • National Incident Management System 300 and 400 required within 6 months of employment.
  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
  • Must meet RCW 35.21.333 eligibility requirements.
  • Successful candidate must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
  • Employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.
  • A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
  • A comprehensive background investigation, including a polygraph, is required per RCW 35.21.333.
  • Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle.
  • If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.

Responsibilities

  • Ensuring appropriate law enforcement services are provided at SEA, the Seaport, and other Port of Seattle properties.
  • Developing, funding, and executing strategies and service levels to facilitate continuity of operations and enhance public safety.
  • Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and state and federal partners to ensure the highest level of security on Port facilities.
  • Responsible for all functions and activities of the Police Department.
  • Leading a police agency that provides world class law enforcement services and that protects and ensures safe passage through the Port of Seattle jurisdiction.
  • Performing all duties as the chief law enforcement officer of the Port of Seattle to ensure appropriate enforcement of laws and public peace and order.
  • Maintaining a shared vision for the Police Department and inspiring others to work towards it.
  • Communicating strategic vision and demonstrating commitment to it.
  • Inspiring others and the department to the highest levels of achievement.
  • Establishing strategic plans, goals, objectives, and department policies.
  • Directing all Police Department activities including personnel management, budget, resource allocation, and operational decisions to ensure goal attainment.
  • Working effectively with Executive and Elected Commissioners on achieving Port’s goals and objectives.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective channels of communication and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, state and federal law enforcement, and regulatory entities to ensure security, public safety, and continuity of operations on Port properties.
  • Representing the Port of Seattle and its Police Department with community members, business partners, internal customers, and other stakeholders in a manner that instills trust and legitimacy.
  • Acting as and performing job duties of direct and indirect reports on an as needed basis.
  • Applying equity and exemplifying shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care
  • Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure
  • Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked
  • Holidays – More than ten days per year
  • Pension/Retirement Plans
  • Subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card
  • Alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid
  • Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training
  • Stretch assignments
  • Internal internships
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