11 October, 2013
CHIEF OF POLICE
- Salary & Benefits: The Town offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
- Full-Time – 40 Hours/Week
- Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2013
THE TOWN
The Town of Hopkinton, one of the most beautiful and desirable communities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is a suburb located less than 30 miles (48 km) west of the great City of Boston. Our Town is located just off I-495 with extremely easy access to the Mass Pike (I-90). It is home to computer storage company EMC, one of the largest employers in the area. It boasts beautiful, wide open spaces and is bordered by six towns: Ashland, Holliston, Westborough, Milford, Southborough, and Upton.
We are recognized and best known as the starting point of the Boston Marathon, which is held annually on Patriots' Day in April for over 70 years. Hopkinton boasts a population of just over 15,000, with one of the most successful and well supported K-12 school system in the State of Massachusetts. It should be noted that on Marathon day, the Town is host to anywhere from 40,000-45,000 runners and visitors; this number does not include residents.
THE COMMUNITY
Established in 1715, Hopkinton continues to gain widespread media attention each year in April when the internationally known Boston Marathon event takes place. Runners from all over the world gather on Main Street to experience a 26-mile run in what is always an enjoyable and exciting competition.
Hopkinton's resourcefulness and spirit are shared by town residents, volunteers, local businesses, and industrial communities that participate in Town government and contribute generously to the town’s community projects and programs. The town’s multi-faceted private and public recreational facilities support a community that is strongly committed to maintaining a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. The town’s unwavering commitment to a highly successful educational system is incomparable, and its dedication to the safety of its residents are unmatched.
All these are an integral part of its rich culture, which in the Town's nearly 300 years of history and tradition makes it a caring and exciting place to live.
THE OPPORTUNITY
An exciting opportunity to join this community in one of its most prestigious and highly visible leadership positions, Chief of Police, is currently available. This is an opportunity for an experienced individual with very strong law enforcement, public safety, and emergency management skills, to assume the responsibilities of providing unparalleled law enforcement services in a very unique municipality with well-educated citizens and a rapidly growing community.
The Chief of Police will work with a highly skilled police force ready and able to continue building upon the department’s cultural and professional image as well as its effective law enforcement methodologies and strategies, that will ensure Hopkinton continues as a leader in cutting edge law enforcement and public safety practices.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a progressively successful organization in a highly renowned community. This incredibly visible role, offers the right candidate a chance to make an enormous impact on the future direction of the Town’s Police Department.
OUR VISION and MISSION
The Town’s vision and mission accomplished through sound financial practices, are to achieve excellent educational outcomes, maintain the Town’s rural character with beautification of its open spaces, increase its commercial and industrial capacity, and to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all Hopkinton residents.
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Our unique organizational culture is one of strong fiscal responsibility with a focus on tight financial controls and extraordinary management practices. Through the commitment of a well-trained and collaborative, professional staff, we consistently model the best possible delivery of exceptional customer service to our citizens, in an environment that encourages creativity, promotes a high degree of respect for each other, and where accomplishments are recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. Our passion is driven by our high ethical standards which set the foundation for the Town’s operational excellence.
CHIEF OF POLICE: POSITION PROFILE AND DEFINITION
The new Chief of Police for all intents and purposes, and in accordance with MA General Laws, is a strong Chief, is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer, and will serve as a member of the Town’s Executive Leadership Team. This is a highly visible position within the Hopkinton community. Exceptional strategic and operational leadership, strong collaboration internally and externally, as well as sound financial and human capital management skills are basic expectations. The Police Chief will be a major contributor to the continued development of comprehensive police services, security, and law enforcement/crime prevention programs. Reporting to the Town’s Board of Selectmen and operational oversight of the Town Manager, the Chief’s specific responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:
Administrative
Oversees and directs all activities of the Police Department and surrounding areas where mutual aid partnerships may exist. Responsibilities include strategic planning, coordinating of activities with other Town departments to ensure services provided and development plans for such services are of the highest quality. The Chief is also accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals for furthering Town goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. A high degree of administrative discretion is required in the execution of duties.
Communication/Public Relations
Within the scope of the Chief’s responsibility to serve the community, communication between the Police Department and the public is crucial to maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. The Chief is the primary spokesperson for the Police Department and is required to ensure the Hopkinton Police Force demonstrates conduct that projects a positive departmental image.
In addition, the Chief is responsible for open and respectful communication with the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager and must clearly articulate the mission, vision, and values of the Police Department to the police force and the community.
Operations
The Chief is involved in the planning, development and implementation of strategies in cooperation with the Town’s Executive Leadership team, to address the community’s safety and crime prevention needs. The Chief will monitor and become involved in day-to-day operations when challenges may demand attention at his level of expertise and responsibility. The Chief is heavily involved in emergency management and pre-planning of security activities leading up to, and on Marathon day.
Budget
The Chief is responsible for working closely with the Town Manager to develop the Department’s budget and ensures the Board’s budget message is clearly communicated throughout the Department. S/he will be required to monitor and report expenditures in an effort to make sure appropriate allocation of resources are consistently applied, so that the best possible police services are provided to the community. The Chief is also responsible for making all budgetary decisions relative to capital purchases, supportive equipment, and staffing requirements.
Staffing
The Chief is responsible for the hiring, training and development, and disciplining of the Department’s police force. He or she is also responsible for the conduct of Officers, ensuring everyone understands his/her role and the Department’s obligations to the Town and the community, as well as ensures all activities of the Department are conducted to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Union Negotiations
The Chief will be actively involved in Union negotiations, and is expected to partner with the Town Manager and other management staff in bringing appropriate solutions to the table and ensuring achievement of Town goals and objectives.
THE CANDIDATE
The Town is seeking a candidate who has a broad background and considerable experience in at least the key areas of patrol, investigations, administrative management, and is ICS trained. That experience should be supplemented with knowledge in a variety of operational facets including: records management, training, code enforcement, personnel, technology acquisition, grants, school resource officer programs, and community affairs. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience in the accomplishment of departmental planning and meeting of operational goals and objectives, within the framework of policy guidelines. Having a vision and understanding the big picture are highly desirable traits. The ability to cultivate positive relationships and build cross-functional teams, with a “can do” and “hands on” attitude is absolutely necessary to be successful in this role. He or she must have demonstrated required competencies in one or more leadership role in a police department of similar or larger size.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduate of a 4-year accredited university or college (BA/BS) with major coursework in criminal justice, police science, public administration/business management, or related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Must possess a minimum of 10 years’ progressively responsible experience in law enforcement and also a minimum of 5 years’ command or supervisory experience in a position equivalent to that of a Sergeant or above, with administrative management responsibilities including working in a unionized environment.
Training: Completion of Mass Criminal Justice Training Academy for full-time police officers or equivalent academy acceptable to the MCJTC. Advance training such as academy, and/or is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
(All required licenses and certifications must be current/active or candidate must be able to acquire prior to the agreed upon starting date.)
• Licenses to carry a firearm and firearms qualifications.
• A valid Massachusetts Class C driver’s license, with good driving record. (Required at the time of appointment.)
•Must have current first aid and CPR certificates.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
The physical requirement described herein are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of of this position.
Mobility to work in standard office setting; strength and mobility to operate a motor vehicle and take command at an incident or emergency scene; strength and stamina to lift and carry up to 25 lbs; vision for observation of emergency scenes and investigations, and read printed materials, computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate one-on-one, before groups, on the telephone and radio.
While performing the duties of this job, occasional work in outside weather conditions will occur, and the incumbent will be exposed to wet and/or dry or humid conditions, as well as potential toxic or caustic chemical.
OTHER
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Special Requirements
Must be able and willing to work hours necessary to accomplish assigned duties; attend evening meetings and/or critical events and activities, as appropriate; potential travel out of state to attend workshops, conferences, seminars, and meetings during work or non-work hours.
Compensation
A compensation package commensurate with the background, skills, and experience of the selected candidate, and which outlines the Town’s current benefit options will be offered.
Applicant Instructions
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in order to apply for this position. Application packets must be submitted as a Word or PDF document and must include the following requirements and documents by no later than Friday, October 18, 2013.
1. Official Town of Hopkinton Application Form
2. CV or Resume and Cover Letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how you can successfully fill the role of Police Chief in the Town of Hopkinton.
3. Proof of Education and other required credentials.
4. Required Licenses and Certifications
5. Any additional document(s) that further qualifies you for the position.
Applications must contain all requirements at the time of submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications received after the deadline will also not be considered. Please submit any questions via e-mail to the Town’s Human Resources Director, Debbie Hilton-Creek, at dhilton-creek@hopkintonma.gov. All responses to this posting are considered confidential.
Applications can be submitted via our web site at www.hopkintonma.gov/home/government/departments/hr, or please mail to: Town of Hopkinton, Human Resources Department, 18 Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01748.
The Town of Hopkinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes there is strength in diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
