Raleigh-Durham International Airport Chief Of PoliceThe 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. Desired attributes include: The next Chief of Police will demonstrate passion and energy for achieving Authority goals while strategically and diplomatically leading the department through change in conformance with the Core Values of the organization. Effective in crisis management, the Chief of Police must have strong communication skills with experience in patrol, community policing, and investigative functions of a typical law enforcement agency similar in size to RDU.The ideal leader will have a keen understanding of the culture of an airport law enforcement department, including the high level of federal regulations, and be committed to a level of quality customer service that the department is known for. A transparent and adaptable leader, the Chief of Police will value diversity, equity, and inclusion and balance building camaraderie within the department while ensuring frequent engagement and collaboration with departmental personnel and stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies and Airport Authority leaders. About the Department and Position: The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Law Enforcement Department (RDULE) is a fully accredited North Carolina law enforcement agency. RDULE is responsible for ensuring visitors to Raleigh-Durham International Airport have a safe travel experience. The agency's jurisdiction extends beyond the airport's terminals and includes all of the Authority's 5,000 acres of property including sections of major roadways around the airport. The next Chief of Police will lead a cohesive department that collaborates well with airport stakeholders in providing excellent customer service to travelers. The staff and officers of RDULE are well respected by airport employees and known for their swift response to issues reported from the operations center. Law Enforcement personnel are highly skilled and successful in adaptability and de-escalation tactics. The Chief of Police will be an adaptable, servant leader who will work diligently to build and maintain relationships. Overseeing a budget of approximately $13.9 million, the Chief of Police must embrace the Authority's Core Values of Learning, Integrity, Team, Excellence, and Respect to be successful. Key Position Priorities include but are not limited to: Recruit, develop and retain a diverse department of qualified law enforcement professionals - leveraging internal talent and closing gaps through engaging employees in continuous training and development. Strategically plan for the growth of the department to support the airport's growth as outlined in the Authority's Vision 2040, while balancing the present-day demands of police personnel.
Qualifications:
Requires a 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 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. The Successful Candidate is:an individual with impeccable integrity and a proven record of consistency in managing both internal and external relationships in order to develop trust and to create opportunities for collaborative problem solving, strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships; experienced working in an airport environment and has expert skills in navigating the complexities of varying roles (e.g., need for building relationships, advocating for personnel, clear communication, ensuring mutual trust); goal-oriented, possessing high standards of self and others, thriving in a culture of high-performance expectations and personal accountability; models courteous engagement and outstanding customer service with travelers while ensuring clear and firm adherence to safety principles and laws; experienced across functional areas such as accreditation, patrol, support investigations, K-9, or other specialized units; appreciative of the significance of diversity within all aspects of the department and organization, and has developed innovative solutions to attracting, retaining, and promoting diversity; consistently updating personal knowledge regarding public policy, public perception, and law enforcement trends and ensuring that knowledge is shared with stakeholders; skilled in budget development and management, policy development and application, progressive policing strategies and maintenance of effective service levels despite resource constraints; an outstanding communicator who speaks and writes clearly, assertively, and transparently with internal and external stakeholders; has a track record of public safety success that comes from a balance of engagement and enforcement; and; knowledgeable regarding the use of technology, data-driven approaches to predict and prevent crime, and community-oriented policing.
Salary and Benefits:
Salaries are determined through a compensation calculation that evaluates experience and credentials for all positions. The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority provides an excellent benefits package, including an Employee Incentive Program and participation in the North Carolina LGERS pension program. The hiring range is estimated between $131,000 to $190,000 but is ultimately determined based on the aforementioned calculation. The RDU International Airport provides an excellent benefits package. To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief of Police – RDU International Airport. All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the airport's employment application portal or any other external website. Resumes and cover letters are required and must be uploaded with the application. Applicants should apply by November 5, 2026.Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation interviews on December 1-2, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate. Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.comThe RDU International Airport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The recruitment and selection process is being managed by Developmental Associates, LLC. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."
