Applicants should apply by June 27, 2026
Are you a law enforcement executive who . . .
- Provides visible, engaged, and accessible leadership both within the department and throughout the community?
- Can strengthen recruitment and retention efforts while improving morale, accountability, and employee wellness?
- Builds trust through clear communication, collaboration, and strong relationships with employees, elected officials, and community stakeholders?
If so, the City of Spartanburg, South Carolina, is seeking a strategic, community-oriented, and forward-thinking executive to serve as its next Chief of Police during a transformative period for the city and department. This is an opportunity to lead a respected department with a strong foundation, supportive local leadership, and positive community relationships while helping shape the future of public safety in one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing and most dynamic cities.
The ideal candidate is a confident advocate who successfully communicates and champions for their employees and department, effectively enforces accountability and upholds professionalism. In their next Chief, City leaders desire a credible law enforcement professional who has demonstrated successful experience with and the desire to strengthen partnerships with City Council, community leaders, and regional agencies.
The next Chief will inherit a department with many strengths, including a dedicated workforce, strong community support, supportive City leadership, and a positive reputation. Spartanburg’s Chief will have the opportunity to make a big difference – guiding strategic improvements in structure, leadership development, and technology. A thoughtful, adaptive leadership approach is desired to help the department and city navigate increased pressure from rapid population growth, increasing service demands, staffing shortages, and community public safety challenges such as youth violence, homelessness, and mental health-related calls. The next Chief is highly skilled in balancing strategic planning to address complex public safety challenges while prioritizing and maintaining strong community relationships and public trust.
About the Organization, Department, and Position:
The City of Spartanburg operates under the Council-Manager form of government and is governed by a mayor and a six-member City Council representing districts throughout the city. With an adopted FY 2025–2026 budget of approximately $56 million and more than 400 employees, the City continues to position itself as one of South Carolina’s most dynamic and rapidly growing communities. Guided by the collaborative vision reflected in its “Many Voices, One Vision” comprehensive planning initiative, Spartanburg emphasizes community engagement, neighborhood investment, inclusive growth, and responsive local government. City leadership has helped drive significant reinvestment in downtown Spartanburg, neighborhood revitalization efforts, economic development, and public infrastructure while maintaining a strong focus on quality of life and long-term community sustainability. View the full job posting via the link below for detailed information on the community of Spartanburg.
The Spartanburg Police Department is a CALEA-accredited law enforcement agency committed to “Serving a Safe & Vibrant City” through professional, responsive, and community-oriented policing. Serving one of South Carolina’s most dynamic communities, the department emphasizes strong partnerships with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to enhance quality of life and maintain public trust. Organized across multiple divisions—including patrol, criminal investigations, and traffic enforcement—the department provides police services throughout four primary patrol districts. The department’s mission, vision, and values emphasize integrity, accountability, respect, partnerships, and employee development while fostering strong, trust-based relationships throughout the community.
The next Chief will lead the department from a purpose-built headquarters facility opened in 2023 adjacent to the downtown core. The approximately 40,000-square-foot building was designed around the operational needs of a modern police agency. Housed within the facility, the department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) serves as the technology and intelligence backbone of the department's operations, functioning on a cloud-based platform designed to aggregate live and recorded data into a single operational interface. Integrating public and privately opted-in cameras, license-plate reader data, and officer and vehicle locations, the RTCC enables coordinated responses across agencies in real time. The department's broader technology portfolio includes body-worn and in-car cameras and a drone program, and the City has committed to continued expansion of technology-centered capabilities. Among the department’s goals for 2026 are enhancing community safety, strengthening public trust, and improving organizational effectiveness. Strategic priorities include expanding community engagement and transparency efforts, improving downtown safety and economic vitality, addressing youth violence through prevention and intervention initiatives, and leveraging technology through the continued expansion of the RTCC.
Reporting to the City Manager, the Police Chief oversees a budget of over $16 million and leads an executive command staff that includes a Deputy Chief of Police, three Majors, and two Captain. Spartanburg’s police department features 117 sworn (authorized 128) and 19 non-sworn employees, and 4 part-time non-sworn school crossing guards. Spartanburg’s Chief will passionately lead the department with vision and intention, ensuring employees feel supported, valued, and aligned around a shared vision for the organization.
The next Chief will work collaboratively with City leadership, businesses, schools, service providers, and community partners to address emerging public safety challenges across the city including youth violence and gang activity, homelessness, mental health-related calls for service, and increasing downtown activity. The Chief will lead the department in maintaining strong police visibility and community relationships throughout the City of Spartanburg. It will also be essential for the next Chief to expand the department’s use of technology, training, and operational resources to improve efficiency, officer safety, and long-term departmental effectiveness.
Salary and Benefits: The salary range for the position is $115,481.60 (min) - $141,564.80 (mid) - $167,648.00(max). Starting salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The City of Spartanburg provides a robust benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, short-term disability, life insurance, and access to a free onsite health clinic. Please note residency within the City of Spartanburg is expected within a negotiated timeframe.
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief of Police – City of Spartanburg, SC title.
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by June 27, 2026.
- Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation interviews on July 30-31, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com
The City of Spartanburg, SC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."
Qualifications:
Requires a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or another relevant field, and 10 years of progressive law enforcement experience across functional areas such as patrol, internal affairs, administration, investigations, etc., to include six to seven years of professional management or related experience in police administration, including three to four years of related administrative supervisory experience. Must possess current advanced SC LE certification or be eligible to acquire. A master’s degree and executive law enforcement training are preferred. Must have a valid SC driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid SC driver’s license within 60 days of relocating to SC. View the full job posting via the link below for information on transfers.
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