Description

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is assisting the City of Burlington, VT, with their search for the next Chief of Police. To learn more about the position and the department, download the Burlington Police Chief Executive Search brochure.

Deadline to Apply: June 5, 2026
How to Apply: Email your cover letter and resume to BurlingtonVTChief@theIACP.org. 

About the Position

The Chief of Police serves under the direction of the Mayor, providing leadership, management, and oversight of the Police Department's overall operations and activities.

The Police Chief is appointed to a one-year term, renewable upon review and mayoral appointment.

The City of Burlington has undertaken a significant, multi-year process to incorporate the intersection of public safety and public health into community safety strategies, including rebuilding the Burlington Police Department through a lens of community trust-building and engagement outside traditional policing models. Community trust stands as the cornerstone of effective policing and the preservation of public safety, and successful candidates will embrace this philosophy to build community policing strategies through intentional efforts and genuine engagement.

This role requires vision, accountability, and the ability to foster collaboration within the agency and across city departments and community stakeholders. Strong candidates will be a visible leader with a genuine desire to become an active participant in the Burlington community and have a resolute commitment to developing long-term, collaborative and respectful relationships within City government and across the community and have experience with outreach and public engagement in a racially and culturally diverse community setting.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of customer service, professionalism, integrity and striving for the highest ideals of public service and personal conduct. It is imperative that this individual is able to manage emergency situations and build credibility and infuse accountability and respect within the Department by being fair, equitable, and willing and able to listen to staff, coworkers and diverse community voices.

Salary and Benefits

The hiring range is anticipated to be $177,254.90 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package. 

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of supervisory experience with at least 5 years of executive leadership in a department of equivalent size and scope.  An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Experience working in a racially and culturally diverse community.

Desired Education and Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstration of continued professional development such as graduation from a nationally recognized police management program.
• Experience working with a large university and college population, student residences, and vibrant downtown nightlife is preferred.
• Experience leading department of comparable size and scope.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Be able to be certified in the State of Vermont as a police officer via the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. Certification is required within 90 days of hiring or as soon as the VCJC can accommodate a required training regimen (whichever is sooner).
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Vermont motor vehicle operator’s license.

Residency Requirement

• Per the city charter, residence within the City of Burlington is required within one year of appointment. Waiver of this requirement requires a vote by City Council, who have approved exceptions within the past few years.