Deputy Director, Office of Police Oversight

Job Description:

Deputy Director, Office of Police Oversight

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field to the job, plus five (5) years of experience managing and directing a complex organization, including (3) years of government management experience as a department head or comparable capacity.

Licenses or Certifications:

• No.

Notes to Applicants
To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.
To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

The Office of Police Oversight

The Office of Police Oversight ( OPO ) is dedicated to addressing concerns and complaints regarding potential police misconduct in a manner that is thorough, impartial, and resolution-driven. By fostering an environment of earned trust between the Austin community and the Austin Police Department ( APD ), OPO serves as a conduit for transparency and accountability. OPO strives to make the process of reporting misconduct accessible, secure, and straightforward for all Austinites. The mission of the Office of Police Oversight ( OPO ) is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community.

The Position

Under the general direction of the Office of Police Oversight Director, this position assists the Director in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the Office of Police Oversight’s activities, staff, and operations.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, forward-thinking leader dedicated to promoting equity, transparency, and community trust within public safety. This individual will possess extensive experience in community engagement, police oversight, and organizational leadership within the public sector or civil service. They thrive in collaborative environments, cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders while leveraging data to inform decisions and drive improved outcomes. With expertise in public accountability, project management, and strategic communication, they demonstrate a deep understanding of the systems and relationships that underpin trust in law enforcement. A hands-on and inclusive leader, the Deputy Director will inspire and empower staff, optimize internal operations, and foster a culture rooted in innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to community service.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Strategic Leadership & Operational Management - Demonstrated ability to align vision with actionable strategies, manage complex workflows, and optimize internal systems to improve efficiency, morale, and effectiveness.
• Community Engagement & Public Trust - Deep expertise in building authentic relationships with diverse communities, ensuring transparency, and translating public input into meaningful policy and programmatic outcomes.
• Communication & Data Storytelling - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to elected officials, City leadership, and the public using visuals, metrics, and narrative.
• Financial & Tactical Acumen - Proficiency in budget oversight, resource planning, and fiscal accountability, combined with a solid understanding of investigative or oversight practices in public safety contexts.
• Inclusive & Participative Leadership - A collaborative leader who fosters empowerment, professional growth, and team cohesion, encouraging shared decision-making and cultivating a culture of respect, equity, and innovation.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Résumé and Cover Letter are required.
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
• Successful candidates must pass a a Criminal Justice Information Systems ( CJIS ) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• A first review of candidates will occur on May 16, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.

Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.
Pay Range
$139,000 to $149,000 annually
Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Monday - Friday
*Hours may vary depending upon business needs.

This position is on-site.
Job Close Date Type of Posting External Department Management Services Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 1520 Rutherford Lane Austin, TX 78754 Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced coursework in organizational leadership, Strategic communication, and project management.
• Demonstrated expertise in Community engagement, police accountability systems, and public safety.
• Investigative, tactical, and financial acumen.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including high-level executives, elected officials, community members, industry partners, and other stakeholders, using data and graphics to tell our story.
• Exhibits a participative leadership style encouraging the team to participate in the decision-making process and fostering a sense of ownership and buy-in.
• Previous leadership experience in a municipal civil service structure.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Acts as the Director in their absence or as directed, managing daily operations and making key decisions. Monitors and evaluates the quality, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness of division programs, service delivery methods, procedures, to continuously improve City services. Ensures that all activities comply with departmental policies and Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing those activities. Builds partnerships with community groups, organizations, government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations to create collaborative solutions that address the needs of the community. Directs staff training and performance management; conducts performance evaluations. Delegates activities, responsibilities, and authority as appropriate to staff while retaining overall responsibility. Assists the Police Oversight Director in reviewing and monitoring critical incidents and investigations. Participates in the complaint investigation process. Reviews and approves reports, ensuring quality and completeness. Assists in the development and administration of assigned budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. Oversees the onboarding of new members of the Community Police Review Commission. Responds to and resolve complex and sensitive internal and external issues and complaints.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of leadership principles that embodies a strong departmental vision, and the following core values: transparency, diversity, inclusion, equity, accountability, and transformation.
• Knowledge of administrative and managerial experience that includes management and supervision of staff, organizational planning and development, and establishment of professional conduct standards.
• Knowledge of the police accountability system and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Skill in strategic and operational planning, evaluating and analyzing reports and studies and implementing process improvement.
• Skill in preparing, analyzing and oversight of budget.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in communicating and interacting with the media, community organizations, elected officials, boards and commissions, and the general public.
• Ability to professionally manage during a crisis, adapt to changing circumstances quickly, and provide data-driven decision making.
• Ability to deliver feedback to personnel in ways that effectively promote personal and organizational learning and improved results.
• Ability to be on call and immediately available to respond to on-scene sensitive critical incidents or officer-involved shootings.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field to the job, plus five (5) years of experience managing and directing a complex organization, including (3) years of government management experience as a department head or comparable capacity. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-Criminal Background Investigation).

* Please describe your experience working in community engagement, police accountability systems, or public safety oversight. What specific roles have you held, and what were your key responsibilities?
(Open Ended Question)
* Have you been involved in any investigations or oversight activities related to public safety or police practices? If so, what was your role, and what outcomes resulted from your work?
(Open Ended Question)
* How many years of experience do you have in project or program management, particularly in the public or nonprofit sector?

• 0-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-7 years
• 8+ years

* How many years of experience do you have with budget oversight or fiscal planning?

• 0-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-7 years
• 8+ years

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents