Administrative Commander - Police

Job Posting: Administrative Commander
Department: Vail Police Department
Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Open to Internal and External Candidates

The Town of Vail is seeking a dynamic and experienced law enforcement professional to serve as its next Administrative Commander. As a key member of the Police Department's leadership team, this upper management role is responsible for the oversight of both the Administrative/Records Division and the Investigations Division, and serves as Acting Chief in the absence of Chief and Deputy Chief.

The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and forward-thinking leader who thrives in both administrative and operational settings. This role offers the opportunity to impact department-wide initiatives, lead recruitment and training efforts, manage compliance and internal investigations, and represent the department on key interagency partnerships throughout Eagle County and beyond.

To Apply:
Submit your application, resume, and cover letter by Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via the Town of Vail Careers Page or contact Deputy Chief Matthew Westenfelder mwestenfelder@vail.gov for internal application procedures.

Internal candidates: Minimum of five (5) years as a police officer and two (2) years as a front-line supervisor.

• External candidates: Minimum of five (5) years of experience as front-line supervisor or higher in a law enforcement agency.

• Experience managing police training, internal affairs investigations, public records, grants, and strategic planning is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and working with a variety of public and private partners.

Required:

• Colorado POST certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).

• Completion of required training for internal investigations, supervision, and leadership roles.

• No felony convictions or offenses punishable as felonies in Colorado.

• Successful completion of a background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and polygraph.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Leadership training such as the Supervisory Institute, Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO), or Command Staff Institute.

• Intermediate ICS training and competency.

• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, law enforcement operations, Colorado POST standards, and investigative best practices.

• Strong understanding of budgeting, policy development (Lexipol), strategic planning, and records management.

• Ability to manage recruitment, training programs, policy development, and professional standards.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and public relations skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.

• Knowledge of modern policing strategies, emergency services, judicial processes, and inter-agency coordination.

• Ability to perform in high-pressure environments, manage complex administrative functions, and remain accessible 24/7 for emergencies unless on approved leave.

At the Town of Vail, we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, innovation, and collaboration. The Vail Police Department is rooted in community trust, transparency, and proactive service. As Administrative Commander, you'll be part of a professional team that values personal accountability, continuous improvement, and meaningful engagement with both the community and our regional partners.

We believe our success is built on leadership that listens, empowers others, and remains deeply connected to both people and purpose. If you're passionate about public safety and dedicated to leading through service, we invite you to apply.

The Town of Vail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.