Salem, IL (7,282) – The City of Salem, Illinois is seeking a fair, professional, and compassionate Chief of Police that is gifted in leadership, able to engage with the community, and possesses both administrative and patrol experience.
Salem is the County Seat in Marion County, Illinois and is strategically located at the intersection of I-57 and U.S. Highway 50. Salem is one hour and thirty minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri, one hour and thirty minutes west of Vincennes, Indiana and two hours north of Paducah, Kentucky. Given its convenient location Salem serves as a regional draw for retail, health care, entertainment, and hospitality.
Salem is home to several diverse large employers that contribute to the economic stability of the city and to the quality of life in the community. North American Lighting, Howell Paving, Little Egypt Golf Cars, Fabick Caterpillar, and Union Pacific have a strong presence in the city. Salem Township Hospital serves as the largest healthcare provider in the city.
The City of Salem is a statutory City Manager Form of Government where the City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and the City Council that is comprised of five council members. The Chief of Police is appointed by the City Manager and reports directly to the City Manager. The Chief of Police is required to reside within the City of Salem (preferred) or in a 30-mile radius of Salem in an unincorporated area.
The Chief of Police, supported by a Deputy Police Chief and a full-time Administrative Assistant, is directly responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the police department and for the effective administration of the patrol division, investigations, and the 911 Center. The Chief of Police is responsible for 18 Sworn Officers and 6 dispatchers. The Chief of Police oversees an annual $2,700,000 budget.
The Salem Police Department is known for:
- Competitive pay.
- Low crime, a very safe community.
- A young department.
- A professional department
- Great professional training opportunities.
- State-of-the-art equipment.
- Community support.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of three to five years of executive level management experience as a Chief of Police or a Deputy Chief of Police with personnel management experience.
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to those mentioned above will also be considered.
Ideal candidates will possess
- Department Director Experience.
- Skills and certifications as a professional police officer.
- Proficient in managing personnel and developing strong bargaining unit relationships.
- Ability to communicate effectively, delegate, and hold team members accountable.
- A task-oriented and outgoing behavior style (D-type Style) on the DISC.
Compensation and Benefits
The beginning salary range is between $105,000 and $115,000 and will depend upon education and previous experience. This is a full-time, exempt position, serving at the pleasure of the City Manager. Benefits are highly competitive, and they include the following:
- City paid professional training and membership dues.
- City issued mobile phone and laptop.
- IMRF or Downstate Illinois Police Pension Plan.
- An individual or family Health plan with 100% paid employee only coverage and $105.00 bi-weekly employee contribution for family coverage.
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Paid holidays: 12
- Paid sick leave: 12 + 1 earned monthly.
- Paid personal leave: 3 days, birthday, 1 floating and 1 personal day.
- Paid vacation leave: 12 + 1 earned monthly.
- 30 Days Severance Pay.
- Relocation Assistance, if located in the City of Salem.
Please electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and five professional references to james@arndtmunicipalsupport.com. Confidential inquiries should be directed to James W. Arndt, President and CEO of Arndt Municipal Support, Inc. at 217-500-0770.
This position will close on January 31, 2025. The City of Salem, IL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
