Description
Job Posting: Administrative Commander
Department: Vail Police Department
Application Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Open to Internal and External Candidates
Position Summary
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, April 3, 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.
Requirements
Experience, Skills & Education
Experience Requirements
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.
Education & Certifications
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.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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.
