Chief of Police-Raleigh-Durham International Ai...

About the Department and Position

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) Authority Law Enforcement Department seeks an experienced and transformational leader with a customer service mindset to serve as its next Chief of Police.

The next Chief of Police will demonstrate passion and energy toward achieving Authority goals while strategically and diplomatically leading the department through change in conformance with the organization’s Core Values. Effective in crisis management, the Chief must have strong communication skills and experience in patrol, community policing, and investigative functions typical of a law enforcement agency similar in size to RDU. The ideal leader will understand the culture of an airport law enforcement department, including the high level of federal regulations, and be committed to the quality customer service for which the department is known. A transparent and adaptable leader, the Chief will value diversity, equity, and inclusion, balance building camaraderie within the department, and ensure frequent engagement and collaboration with departmental personnel, stakeholders, and federal, state, and local agencies, as well as Airport Authority leaders.

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Law Enforcement Department (RDULE) is a fully accredited North Carolina law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring visitors to Raleigh-Durham International Airport have a safe travel experience. Its jurisdiction extends beyond the airport terminals to include all of the Authority’s 5,000 acres of property, including sections of major roadways around the airport. Located in the Airport Operations Center building, the department includes a staff of 89+ full‑ and part‑time officers and support employees performing foot and vehicle patrols, investigations, lost‑and‑found, special operations, traffic duties, community policing, and more. RDULE is headquartered in the Airport Operations Center with remote offices in each terminal and training facilities on airport grounds. The Chief of Police reports to civilians on the executive leadership team and will lead a cohesive department that collaborates well with airport stakeholders to provide excellent customer service to travelers. The staff and officers are well respected by airport employees and known for swift response to issues reported from the operations center. Law enforcement personnel are highly skilled in adaptability and de‑escalation tactics. The Chief will be an adaptable, servant leader who works diligently to build and maintain relationships while overseeing a budget of approximately $13.9 million and embracing the Authority’s Core Values of Learning, Integrity, Team, Excellence, and Respect.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or another relevant field.
• A master’s degree and executive law enforcement training are preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience across functional areas such as patrol, internal affairs, administration, investigations, community policing, etc.
• Six to seven years of professional management or related experience in law enforcement administration, including three to four years of related tactical and administrative supervisory experience.
• Must possess applicable certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Commission or obtain such certification within six months of hire.
• Must have a valid NC driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid NC driver’s license within 60 days of relocating to NC.
• Experience working in an airport environment preferred.
• Details on certification transfers for in‑state, out‑of‑state, federal, and military police candidates are provided in the posting.

Salary and Benefits

• Hiring range estimated between $131,000 to $190,000, determined by a compensation calculation that evaluates experience and credentials.
• Excellent benefits package including an Employee Incentive Program and participation in the North Carolina LGERS pension program.