The City of Cleveland, OH is conducting a national search for a collaborative and resourceful Executive Director to oversee the daily affairs of the Cleveland Police Commission office. The Executive Director works for the Community Police Commission, a 13-member, diverse board initially created under the city’s Consent Decree with the U.S. Department of Justice and given new oversight power created by Cleveland voters in 2021.

Reporting directly to the Cleveland Community Police Commission Co-Chairs, the primary duty of the Executive Director is to support the Commission’s role to “respond to community needs and concerns regarding regulation of the City's police force and community-police relations through duties” outlined in the Cleveland City Charter. This will involve coordinating closely with the Commission, particularly the Co-Chairs and other committee leadership (when appropriate), to carry out the functions of the Commission, charter 115-5, and implement Consent Decree mandates.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in cooperation with other City departments and make a lasting impact in the areas of community policing, law enforcement, social and racial justice.

The City of Cleveland, OH (population 362,656), is the second largest city in Ohio. It is the birthplace of the Environmental Protection Agency and a global leader in healthcare. Top attractions include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of Art, Rocky River Reservation, West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and A Christmas Story House.

Essential Job Functions/Duties

Under the Commission’s direction, the Executive Director will have the responsibility to:

Oversee and manage the functions of the Office of the Commission: Advance the Commission's mission and perform other public duties as the Commission may prescribe. Serve as Secretary of the Commission and of any advisory committee or subcommittee the Commission may create or delegate this duty to a member of the Commission staff. Prepare annual reports summarizing the Commission's achievements and recommendations in collaboration with the Commission for public distribution.

Implement the Commission’s decisions: On the Commission's direction, work in cooperation with other City departments, on improvement of law-enforcement services and police accountability; work to remove inequalities that may be related to minority-group or other status related to law enforcement and related matters; conduct educational activities, institutes, meetings, and prepare reading materials, that will lead to better community-police relations. Provide recommendations to the Commission for performance improvement.

Support the regulation of the City's police force and community-police relations: Maintain contacts with community groups concerned with constitutional policing, social justice, and public safety, including police associations; report to the Commission regarding these groups' activities; and serve as a source of accurate and reliable data on issues in the field of community policing, law enforcement, social justice, and racial justice.

Coordinate the preparation of an annual budget and advocate for operational resources: Create the Commission's proposed annual budget and submit an annual budget request for the Mayor’s approval. Commissioners and the Executive Director may advocate for resources directly to members of the City Council of Cleveland or to the City Council during the budget process and throughout the year. Authorize necessary expenditures and enter into contracts for professional and other services in accordance with the adopted budget. Ensure proper and appropriate financial oversight and spending of funds allocated to the Commission.

Hire, supervise, evaluate, and discharge employees of the Office of the Commission.
Supervise the hiring of new staff, ensuring hiring and onboarding processes are consistent with City of Cleveland human resources policies and the Charter 115-5 Legislation. Create a transparent evaluation system for all employees that will be conducted yearly through written evaluations before the end of the calendar year. Maintain attendance and other records, and a system of accountability for all employees to be shared with the Commission monthly.

Required/Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree is required in preferred areas of law, public policy, public administration, or business administration. Two years of experience may substitute for each year of postgraduate education.
• Career experience in human services, public administration, organizational behavior, and/or a related field of interest.
• Four (4) years of full-time paid management or administrative experience is required with the strong ability to lead and manage a staff.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in related policy work (e.g., police reform, criminal justice system reform, social justice, civil rights, or community advocacy.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge and understanding and familiarity with restorative justice and social justice.
• Experience with police reform, civilian oversight and consent decrees is strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of best practices and national trends in civilian oversight of law enforcement, transparency, and accountability.
• Strong coordination and project management skills with the ability to work across multiple departments, stakeholder organizations, and the public to implement policy or objectives.
• Carefully considers implications and impact of decisions across time and on others.
• Works in a professional, communicative, productive manner at the direction of the Cleveland Community Police Commission.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to civilian oversight of law enforcement and 21st policing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent prioritization skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to build healthy and collaborative professional relationships, particularly with Stakeholders
• Proficiency in business writing

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated starting hiring range will be between $120,000 - $130,000 +/- DOQ. In addition, the city offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including cost-effective health, dental and vision plans, paid sick and vacation leave, ten paid holidays, as well as participation in one of the largest public pension plans in the State of Ohio, the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Application Process

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by Friday, January 31, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ade Lewis, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, at Tel: 713-538-7224.

The City of Cleveland, Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer