Western Washington University (Western) is conducting a national search for its next Chief of Police. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a university police department at one of Washington’s most desirable public universities. Western is located in the City of Bellingham, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle, 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and an hour’s drive from 10,778-foot Mount Baker. Western invites interest from police leaders who can significantly impact the culture and effectiveness of the police department to support the University’s mission. The Western Washington University Police Department employs 15 sworn peace officers, including a chief, assistant chief, three sergeants, one corporal, and nine officers. The Chief of Police provides leadership, strategic planning, and administrative direction for a comprehensive, full-service police department. The incumbent will manage resources to promote a safe, secure, unbiased, and service-oriented educational environment for the University. The Chief is responsible for the preservation of peace, protection of life and property, and the enforcement of laws and regulations in a manner that is consistent with best practices and that embodies the values, mission, goals, and philosophy of the university’s administration and the Board of Trustees. The next Chief will possess a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience in law enforcement with three years of management experience at the rank of lieutenant or above. Preferred Qualifications include an advanced degree, experience as a law enforcement officer in a university setting, functional knowledge of Equal Opportunity, Title IX, the Clery Act, and the completion of recognized advanced leadership courses. This at-will position has a competitive salary for the region. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $155,000 – $185,000/year, depending on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package will augment the salary. The position will close on September 12, 2022. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early for optimal consideration. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with the Search Committee in late September 2022. Finalists will be invited to participate in an on-campus process in early October 2022, with an appointment anticipated in late October 2022. The brochure can be downloaded from this page. Confidential inquiries and questions regarding this career opportunity should be directed to Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc – (916) 789-9990 (office)

Mr. Gary Peterson, Chief of Police (ret.), CEO/President
(916) 622-5323 (mobile)
gary@publicsectorsearch.com

or

Ms. Sylvia Moir, Chief of Police (ret.), Senior Consultant
(916) 802-3004 (mobile)
sylvia@publicsectorsearch.com