Police Chief

City of Owatonna • Owatonna, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Owatonna is seeking a Police Chief to oversee law enforcement operations, emergency response, and public safety initiatives. This role involves setting department goals, directing various divisions, and managing personnel. The Police Chief will act as a liaison to community partners, stakeholders, and elected officials, representing public safety interests. Key responsibilities include policy development, ordinance review, budgeting, risk management, compliance, media relations, and emergency preparedness. The position ensures enforcement of state laws, approves city event permits, and upholds confidentiality and regulatory standards. The Police Department's purpose is to create a better tomorrow by providing law enforcement services that prioritize quality of life and maintain a safe and secure community, guided by the core values of Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in assigned field of expertise
• 8 years related experience, including 4 years command experience (captain or above)
• Valid driver's license
• MN POST license, or eligible for Peace Officer License in the state of Minnesota upon hire
• Knowledge of managerial and leadership principles and practices
• Knowledge of budget principles and practices
• Knowledge of financial management principles
• Knowledge of public administration principles
• Knowledge of strategic planning principles
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations
• Skill in leadership and management
• Skill in preparing reports
• Skill in managing division operations
• Skill in analyzing and developing policies and procedures
• Skill in using a computer and related software applications
• Skill in public relations and public speaking
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations
• Skill in negotiation and persuasion
• Skill in preparing budgets
• Skill in program and project management
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced leadership training such as FBI National Academy, NUCPS Executive Leadership Award, or Southern Police Institute preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct the work of technical, professional, divisional and management staff of multiple programs, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance reviews and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions.
• Lead the development of multiple department operations, including development of goals, policies, staffing levels, budget and procedures for all department services; directing management in the development of work plans for the department; and leads strategic planning.
• Act as a technical resource for the City, management, boards, government representatives, and staff to ensure effective service delivery and address community needs; including analyzing and resolving issues associated with daily work, contracts, and projects; ensuring staff work complies with applicable standards, codes and regulations; attending internal and external meetings to answer questions and provide information; providing advice on division work; and providing information on all department activities.
• Serve as a lead representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groups
• Direct the management of City finances; monitors and approves expenditures in accordance with City goals; manages and administers operating, capital improvement and capital equipment budgets.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

What This Job Offers

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