THE CITY OF EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO SEEKS A

POLICE CHIEF 

The City of Excelsior Springs, Missouri is seeking an experienced, strategic and visionary leader to serve as its next Chief of Police. 

Located in both Clay and Ray counties, Excelsior Springs is a growing and vibrant community of approximately 12,000 residents strategically located just 30 miles to the northeast of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and a short 30-minute drive to Kansas City International Airport. The City came into existence due to the natural spring water that flows from the depths of the earth, discovered by accident in 1880 by a farmer. Rich in history, Excelsior Springs is home to the extraordinary Elms Hotel, operating as a landmark 19th century resort hotel, and the City owned Hall of Waters, a beautiful example of exquisite Art Deco detailing that houses the world’s longest mineral water bar. The Police Headquarters is located on the same campus adjacent to the Hall of Waters. The City continues to invest into infrastructure and revitalization which has resulted in a significant number of additional buildings and districts being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Excelsior Springs is a community known for providing excellent elementary and secondary educational opportunities. ESSD #40 operates three elementary schools, a middle school, Excelsior Springs Technical High School, Excelsior Springs High School, and Excelsior Springs Career Center. The community and the Police Department work very closely together, and the City is recognized for its exceptionally low crime rate. Excelsior Springs reflects the adage, “small town friendly with access to big city amenities”, and City leaders are proud of the quality growth and municipal services they provide to the community.     

In December 1921, voters in the City of Excelsior Springs adopted the City Manager form of government, becoming the first city in the State of Missouri to formally adopt this style of governing. The City Council is made up of five members, elected at large, for terms of three years. The mayor is elected for a one-year term from the five-body council. Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month.  The Council appoints a City Manager to oversee the day to day operations of the City.  

The Police Chief reports to the City Manager and is responsible for overseeing a department comprised of 35 full-time employees, including 24 full-time sworn police officers. This full-service law enforcement agency also provides emergency communications and animal control services, all supported by an annual operating budget of approximately $3.4 million. The ideal candidate will be team oriented and possess exceptional leadership and communications skills. The City is seeking candidates with a track record of community involvement and an ability to establish strong relationships with neighborhoods, the business community, law enforcement agencies and other governmental organizations, City staff and the City Council. The City desires a candidate that exhibits strong diplomatic skills, self-confidence and the highest levels of integrity while serving the public with humility. The ability to exhibit a vision for the future of the Department, develop and mentor employees, and utilize municipal finance and budgeting experience to articulate departmental needs will be an advantage.      

Candidates should possess at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible police supervisory and managerial experience; three (3) of which must have been equivalent to the rank of lieutenant or above in a comparably sized department. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, public administration or a related field (master’s degree preferred), or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. The salary range is $76,753 to $115,130, with the expected starting salary negotiable up to $85,000.  A vehicle is provided; other benefits include employer contributions toward health with a choice between an HSA or PPO provided at no cost to the department head. The City participates in the LAGERS retirement program with a five-year vesting requirement. The City also provides a $2,400 annual benefit allowance to use toward a variety of additional benefits. 

Qualified candidates please submit your resume online by visiting our website at https://bakertilly.recruitmenthome.com/postings/2986. This position is open until filled; first review deadline is Monday, October 18, 2021. Following the first review date, resumes will be screened compared to the criteria outlined in the Brochure.  Final interviews in Excelsior Springs will be offered to those candidates named as finalists by the City, with reference checks conducted prior to the interviews after receiving candidates’ permission. For more information please contact: Art Davis at [email protected], or 816.868.7042.  

The City of Excelsior Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).