Applicants should apply by November 30, 2026
Lead a Turn-Key Police Department in a Unique and Engaged Coastal Community
The picturesque and charming Town of Duck, North Carolina, seeks a seasoned, strategic, and community-focused law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police.
This leadership opportunity calls for a collaborative and forward-thinking professional who will build upon the department’s strong foundation of excellence, its high-performing team, and the trust and credibility already established within the community. The ideal candidate will provide a clear vision for the future while fostering a culture of teamwork, transparent communication, sound judgment, and accountability. A commitment to public service, effective law enforcement, and maintaining strong community relationships will be essential to sustaining the department’s success and guiding its continued growth.
About the Organization, Department and Position:
The Town of Duck operates under the council-manager form of government, with a five-member Town Council serving as the legislative and policy-making body and the Town Manager overseeing daily municipal operations. With a FY-2026-27 budget of $13.7 million. The Town’s internal culture is grounded in its SOAR values—Service, Ownership, Accountability, and Respect—which reflect a shared commitment to integrity, collaboration, personal responsibility, and continuous improvement in service to the community and in support of one another.
The Chief of Police reports directly to the Town Manager and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Police Department. For FY 2026–27, the department has a budget of $2.8 million, which the Chief is responsible for developing and managing, including providing police-related input for the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan. The Chief directly supervises two lieutenants—the Patrol Lieutenant and Administrative Lieutenant—and shares supervision of an administrative staff member.
The Chief oversees patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and related law enforcement activities. The position includes strategic planning, establishing short- and long-term departmental goals and objectives, developing and administering operating and capital budgets, overseeing personnel and resources, and establishing departmental policies, procedures, and standards of performance.
The Chief also advises the Town Manager and Town Council on law enforcement issues, works with other law enforcement agencies on crime prevention and investigative activities, and collaborates in preparing the Town and department for emergency conditions, storm mitigation, and recovery.
