Executive Search Consultant
Police Executive Research Forum 

The Opportunity:
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a nonprofit research and policy organization based in Washington, DC, is seeking to fill one or more Executive Search Consultant positions. As the leading organization that develops national policy, research, training, and technical assistance to improve policing, PERF is at the forefront of police reform, innovation, and best practices. 

PERF’s executive search service has been well established for more than 25 years, with a long track record of success.  Our Executive Search team helps local police departments and other law enforcement agencies to find the best candidates for police chief or other top-level positions, consistent with the goals of local officials and their communities.  The key to our success has been developing relationships – both with our clients and with candidates for the position of police chief – through networking and by providing professional support.  

We are seeking one or more Consultants to join our Executive Search team who are motivated to make a difference in policing and public safety.   PERF clients for these services include major cities, small and medium-sized municipalities, universities, transit systems, and other agencies.    

Key Responsibilities:
The Consultant would be a part of a collaborative team of executive search consultants who provide a full range of services to our clients.  This position will partner closely with PERF’s Executive Search team to develop overall strategy for each search, and will take the lead on executing searches, including day-to-day details of client engagement and candidate development. The Consultant’s duties will include:

  • Serving as the lead recruiter and developing advertising and profiles for each position;
  • Meeting with clients to understand the unique culture and needs of their community, police agency, and leadership;
  • Conducting community outreach;
  • Working with clients’ search committees;
  • Targeting prospective candidates through direct outreach in order to identify a highly talented candidate pool;
  • Screening, assessing, and researching candidates’ backgrounds against position profiles;
  • Coordinating logistics of the interview process, including developing interview questions and managing interviews;
  • Serving as a liaison between the selected candidate and the client through the negotiation process; and
  • Providing meaningful feedback to the candidate pool to support career development within the policing profession. 

PERF’s consultants work remotely.  However, search-related travel is a requirement. 

Qualifications:
Our ideal candidate will bring:

  • Strong interest in and commitment to the mission and work of PERF;
  • Excellent project management and problem-solving skills;
  • 4+ years of experience in Human Resources/Executive Recruiting;
  • Bachelor’s degree;
  • Superior communication skills;
  • Demonstrated analytical acumen, with an ability to anticipate and develop strategy for each step in the search process;
  • Strong decision-making skills and impeccable judgment;
  • Ability to be creative, resourceful, and flexible and to build relationships of trust;
  • Outstanding time management and attention to detail, with demonstrated success in completing projects on time.  

All Applicants Welcome:
Diversity is a core value, and we welcome applicants of all backgrounds.  We encourage applications from all genders, races, ethnicities, and ages, as well as veterans and people with disabilities. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive working environment.   

To Apply:
Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to:
[email protected]

We will respond to all applicants. 

Visit www.policeforum.org to learn more about the full range of PERF’s programs and their impact on the policing profession.