Chief of Police - Raleigh-Durham International Airport Authority (RDU)

The 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 Community: The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located at the western edge of Wake County, midway between the cities of Durham and Raleigh in North Carolina. Wake County is home to 11 municipalities, including the capital city of Raleigh. Accessed by I-40 and four major U.S. highways, Wake County has a population over 1 million and is a thriving, growing community with endless opportunities. Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County offers 11 principal colleges and universities, including NC State University. Wake County is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature, and many government offices located in the City of Raleigh. Known as the City of Oaks, Raleigh ranked #2 for Safety, #4 for Economic Well-being, and #6 for Quality of Education and Health among all State Capitals in early 2022. Raleigh boasts more than 9,000 acres of parkland and almost 1,300 acres of water, offering year-round recreational activities. The NHL Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Mudcats Low-A Baseball, and NC FC Men’s and NC Courage Women’s pro soccer teams attract visitors year-round and serve as an entertainment hub for community members. From the NC Opera, NC Symphony and the Carolina Ballet to three major state museums, Raleigh’s culture is rooted in art, history and natural sciences. About the Organization: The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is governed by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, an eight-member board. The Airport Authority was established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1939. The cities of Durham and Raleigh, along with Durham and Wake counties, each appoint two members to the board. The Airport Authority is a local government responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of RDU. The Authority is committed to delivering a world-class airport experience through excellent airport services, facilities, and unparalleled customer service. 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 RDU Law Enforcement Department, located in the Airport Operations Center building, includes a staff of 89+ full and part-time officers and support employees that perform a range of functions including foot and vehicle patrols, investigations, lost-and-found, special operations, traffic duties, community policing and more. RDULE is headquartered in the Airport Operations Center with remote offices in each terminal. The department also includes training facilities located on airport grounds. The Chief of Police reports to civilians on the executive leadership team. 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.