A new high-paying civilian job just opened up within the Alexandria Police Department.
The department recently announced that Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire needs a new chief of staff with budget experience to serve as his principal aide and senior advisor, and also to oversee all daily operations in the chief’s office. The position pays between $102,000 and $181,000, and the deadline to apply is Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m.
“This pivotal civilian leadership role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Office of the Chief, driving policy development, coordinating interagency efforts, and providing executive-level support to advance the Department’s mission of ensuring community safety,” according to the city. “The Chief of Staff manages cross-functional projects and aligns departmental goals with community needs.”
Details on the new job are below:
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience leading large, diverse teams, preferably within a law enforcement or public safety context. Experience in managing complex projects and budgets is essential. This role requires navigating relationships with elected officials, department heads, unions, and community stakeholders with tact and professionalism. The ideal candidate will excel at problem resolution, meeting deadlines, balancing competing demands, and communicating complex findings clearly, both verbally and in writing. A commitment to confidentiality, sound judgment when handling sensitive information, and the ability to collaborate in a highly data-driven organization are key attributes.
The Opportunity
- Manage and coordinate daily logistics and administrative functions of the Office of the Chief to ensure efficient decision-making, communication flow, and operational readiness.
- Support the Chief of Police by providing executive-level coordination and oversight of departmental operations.
- Contribute to the development and execution of strategic initiatives and organizational objectives, ensuring that all departmental activities align with the department’s long-term goals.
- Lead comprehensive research efforts and manage special projects, ensuring effective implementation of programs and priorities set forth by the Chief of Police.
- Oversee allocation of personnel, equipment, facilities, and budgets to support departmental goals, including emergency responses and special operations.
- Lead cross-functional projects and special initiatives, monitor progress, track deliverables, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives and community safety priorities.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, departmental policies, and operating procedures to maintain legal and ethical standards.
- Directly supervise senior staff, including sworn and civilian staff, depending on organizational needs.
- Serve as liaison with City departments, elected officials, community partners, and external agencies to synchronize efforts, share resources, and strengthen interagency collaboration.
- Provide logistics and communications support during critical incidents, emergency situations, and large-scale events, including coordinating resources and assisting with public messaging.
- Prepare operational reports, briefings, speeches, press materials, presentations, and data analyses to inform leadership decision-making and support transparency.
- Oversee the department’s budgeting process and resource management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of operating and capital funds.
- Coordinate and maintain schedules, workflows, and communication channels within the Chief’s Office to optimize productivity and responsiveness.
- Track departmental performance metrics and lead data-driven strategies to continuously improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Manage technology, information systems, supplies, and facilities critical to supporting day-to-day police operations.
- Assist in labor-management relations, including grievance handling, collective bargaining support, and employee development initiatives.
- Represent the Chief of Police in meetings, operational briefings, interagency collaborations, and community engagements as needed.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough understanding of local government administration, fiscal management, facilities oversight, and public safety operations.
- Ability to acquire, analyze, and apply new information relating to professional standards, laws, and city regulations.
- Strong analytical and project management skills with experience managing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials, community groups, law enforcement, and government agencies.
- Skilled in interpreting policies and objectives and working with policy-making boards and councils.
- Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Experience leading executive teams and collaborating across departments and agencies.
- Proficient in technology, data analysis, and modern office software applications.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science, or a related field; five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible management or supervisory experience; two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science, or a related field; 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in law enforcement, government, or public sector setting.
Notes
- This position operates within a 24/7 environment and requires flexibility to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and be available for on-call duties.
- This position requires the successful completion of the following pre-employment background checks:
- Polygraph
- Drug Screen
- Criminal Background Checks (local and federal)
- The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability.
City Benefits:
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- Retirement–
- City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan
- Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
- Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
- Medical, Dental, Vision – City covers 75-80%
- Administrative Leave – 13 days per year (accrued)
- Sick leave – 12 days per year (accrued)
- Bereavement Leave – 3 days per occurrence
- Tuition Reimbursement – $3,200 per fiscal year
- Long-Term Disability (LTD)– City paid; Additional buy-up option available
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)– Medical and Dependent Care available
- Transit Benefits– Receive up to $270 per month for employees who utilize public transit
- Parking Cashout Program – Earn up to $25/week when commuting to work by any method other than driving solo.
- Access to on-site gyms near City Hall (equipment includes treadmills, weights, Peloton bikes, elliptical etc.)
- Jet Dental – an onsite dental service offered twice per year to employees and family members
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – 6 free therapy sessions per year per employee and each covered dependent
- Access To Student Loan Wellbeing Tool – Assistance with qualification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Incentive earning wellbeing program that qualifies employee for $600/year added to paycheck.
- Employee wellness and development programs
- Retirement–
