Summary
Description
About our Community:
Breckenridge is a vibrant mountain town situated in the heart of the Colorado Rockies at 9,603 feet above sea level, that was established in 1859 and has grown to be one of the top mountain resort destinations in the nation. The Town is home toone of the busiest ski areas in North America. Located just 73 miles from Denver, the Town boasts world class amenities for residents and visitors alike. The Town owns and operates the Breckenridge Recreation Center, Gold Run Nordic Center, Breckenridge Golf Course, and the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. Additionally, the Breckenridge Open Space and Trails program provides unparalleled access to the natural beauty of the area year-round, with 70 miles of trails and 5,200 total acres of open space. The Town’s Cultural Arts District and facilities offer diverse and rich cultural arts programming and entertainment. Although the Town is home to a permanent population of approximately 5,000 residents within five square miles, the peak population that includes visitors and part-time residents is estimated to exceed 39,000 on a busy day. The Town’s engaging mountain community attracts people from all over the world. The eclectic mix of our population remains captivated by the friendly charm of this real mountain town, where you can always find time for what you truly love; whether it be art, culture, cuisine, and of course, the outdoors.
The Town of Breckenridge:
The Town of Breckenridge is a Home Rule Municipality with a Council-Manager form of government. The Town’s legislative authority is vested in an elected seven-member Town Council, which includes the Mayor. The appointed Town Manageradministers the Town government. The Town’s Vision Statement provides a framework for Town culture and operations: The Town of Breckenridge protects, maintains, and enhances our sense of community, historical heritage, and alpine environment. We provide leadership and encourage community involvement. The Town employs approximately 215 full-time employees and approximately 375 part-time and seasonal employees, working in areas of public service including Public Works, Recreation, Public Safety, Community Development, Housing, IT, Finance, Municipal Services & Community Engagement, and Human Resources.
The Town of Breckenridge Police Department:
The Breckenridge Police Department has seen the community change from a mining town, to a small ski town, to a booming resort town and has adapted accordingly. The department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and has a long history of serving the community’s law enforcement needs. The Mission of the Breckenridge Police Department is to consistently strive to provide the highest quality police service that anticipates and responds to the changing needs of our community. The department works together to preserve and enhance the Town’s unique quality of life for those that live, work, or visit our community through active partnerships and collaborative problem solving built on mutual trust and respect.
The Police Department has 30 full-time employees and a 2025 budget of approximately 5.2 million dollars. The department operates under a joint communications center with other Summit County law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service agencies. A Police Advisory Committee comprised of local community members, meets with the police department bi-monthly and provides guidance as requested.
The Opportunity:
The Town of Breckenridge is seeking a uniquely qualified leader to serve as Chief of Police. This position is at an executive staff-level within the Town of Breckenridge organization, and the individual in the position provides key leadership, strategic direction and supervision to Police Department staff. Under the direct supervision of the Town Manager and Deputy Town Manager, the individual in this position serves and oversees department efforts and outcomes; manages and oversees complex projects and policy matters; conducts research and analysis; and expedites resolution of certain high-profile issues. The Chief of Police serves a key role in providing strategic leadership for Police Administration and Records, Patrol, Investigations, and Community Service. The individual provides direction and guidance that enables staff to meet the Town’s current and future goals. This individual develops a values-based culture of leadership and teamwork, resulting in motivated and service-oriented teams delivering a high level of public service.
Qualifications:
Successful candidates must demonstrate senior level management work history, previous experience in
law enforcement, and possess a strong focus and understanding on Community-Oriented Policing.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Must be a recognized peace officer who has served in various supervisory ranks which may include Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief (or equivalent) in a field related to law enforcement.
- Twelve (12) or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience required.
- Five (5) or more years of supervisory or management experience required.
- Must be Colorado POST certified or must successfully obtain certification within six (6) months of hire
- A valid Colorado driver’s license is required within 30 days of employment.
Compensation:
The hiring salary for the Chief of Police is $5,576.92 – $7,884.62 bi-weekly DOQ ($145,000 – $205,000 annualized DOQ). The full salary range for this position is $145,000 – $224,900 annualized. The Town of Breckenridge strives to offer competitive and diverse benefit options. These options may include medical, dental, health and dependent care flexible spending plans, 401 and 457 retirement plans, employee assistance program (EAP), life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability and supplemental insurance. The Town also provides generous leave benefits. Please select the link for more information on Full-Time Employee Benefits.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Must be a recognized peace officer who has served in various supervisory ranks which may include Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief (or equivalent) in a field related to law enforcement.
- Twelve (12) or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience required.
- Five (5) or more years of supervisory or management experience required.
- Must be Colorado POST certified or must successfully obtain certification within six (6) months of hire
- A valid Colorado driver’s license is required within 30 days of employment.
