Planning and Research Supervisor

City of Colorado Springs • Colorado Springs, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Police Planning and Research Supervisor: If you’re passionate about public service, skilled in research and analysis, and motivated by helping an organization continually improve, this role provides the chance to make a meaningful impact every day. About the job: As the Planning and Research Supervisor, you will provide day-to-day administrative supervision of assigned staff and volunteers within the Strategic Initiatives Section while performing advanced analytical, research, evaluation, and reporting activities that support data-driven decision-making within the Colorado Springs Police Department. This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year. Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer! We're an accredited pay equity employer! Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. As an employee with the City of Colorado Springs, there is Room to Grow! See the full potential of growth for this position here: 2026 Salary Schedule As a Planning and Research Supervisor, you will:
Provide day-to-day administrative supervision of assigned staff by assigning and monitoring work; managing workloads and schedules; approving leave and time records; establishing performance expectations; conducting performance evaluations; providing coaching and professional development; providing input on hiring and disciplinary actions; and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Conduct complex quantitative and qualitative analyses of police operations, organizational performance, workload, staffing, and service delivery; prepare reports, data visualizations, presentations, forecasts, and recommendations to support data-driven operational and management decisions.
Conduct research and program evaluation using surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, benchmarking, field observations, subject matter expert input, and other research methods to assess departmental programs, operations, and emerging issues and recommend evidence-based improvements.
Coordinate the development, maintenance, quality, and publication of datasets and related content supporting the department's open data and transparency initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of research methods, program evaluation, organizational assessment, and performance measurement principles.
• Knowledge of law enforcement operations, public administration, and emerging issues affecting policing.
• Ability to read, interpret, and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources, including operational data, legislation, public policy, professional publications, and research literature.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, apply critical thinking, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-organized reports, presentations, and other written materials that synthesize complex information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and develop professional staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Skill in using spreadsheet, presentation, data visualization, and analytical software to support research and decision-making.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive, confidential, or law enforcement information.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study; preferably public administration, criminal justice, public policy, social sciences, business administration, or another research-oriented field.
• Five years of full-time professional experience in a related field; preferably public administration, criminal justice, public policy, social sciences, business administration, or another research-oriented field, including two years of administrator and/or supervisory experience.
• Colorado driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting applied research, program evaluation, or organizational assessments.
• Experience with law enforcement or public safety operations.
• Experience supervising professional staff or leading complex projects.
• Experience using data analysis and visualization tools to support research and decision-making.
• Experience with strategic planning, performance measurement, workload analysis, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative supervision of assigned staff by assigning and monitoring work; managing workloads and schedules; approving leave and time records; establishing performance expectations; conducting performance evaluations; providing coaching and professional development; providing input on hiring and disciplinary actions; and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Conduct complex quantitative and qualitative analyses of police operations, organizational performance, workload, staffing, and service delivery; prepare reports, data visualizations, presentations, forecasts, and recommendations to support data-driven operational and management decisions.
• Conduct research and program evaluation using surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, benchmarking, field observations, subject matter expert input, and other research methods to assess departmental programs, operations, and emerging issues and recommend evidence-based improvements.
• Coordinate the development, maintenance, quality, and publication of datasets and related content supporting the department's open data and transparency initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level