Lead with Purpose in the Heart of Northeast Kansas

Imagine leading a dedicated team in a safe, welcoming community where your work truly shapes lives every day. Hiawatha (pop. ~3,100) offers the perfect blend: low crime, tight-knit neighbors, excellent schools (USD 415), family-friendly events like the Maple Leaf Festival, historic gems (Davis Memorial), parks, and lakes—all in a quiet rural setting ideal for raising a family without big-city stress or long commutes.

The City of Hiawatha is seeking an experienced, community-focused leader as our next Chief of Police. This is your chance to guide a close-knit department of 10 certified officers, build lasting partnerships with residents, businesses, schools, and organizations, and make a visible difference in a place where people still wave hello and kids play freely.

Position Overview

The position is a full-time, salaried, exempt, at-will appointed role reporting to the City Administrator. Hands-on leadership: plan/direct department operations, enforce laws, protect life/property, and champion community-based policing. Includes patrol, investigation and code enforcement duties—true servant-leadership in a supportive small-town environment.

Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive law enforcement experience, including supervisory, managerial, or administrative roles (or equivalent advanced training)
• High school diploma or GED plus current Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) certification (or eligibility for certification through reciprocity)
• Some college coursework or an associate/bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related law enforcement training and experience
• U.S. citizen with no felony convictions and ability to successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including credit check, drug screening, and physical examination
• Willingness and ability to establish residency within the City of Hiawatha city limits within 30 days of appointment
• Preferred Qualifications & Experience The ideal candidate will bring additional strengths in the following areas:
• Experience in code enforcement (building, zoning, nuisance, and property maintenance ordinances)
• Grant writing, grant management, and administration of federal, state, or local funding sources
• Supervision of personnel, team leadership, and performance management in a law enforcement setting
• Core Responsibilities
• Lead and supervise 10-officer team: scheduling, annual evaluations, performance records
• Develop/enforce policies, training programs (including 40-hour CE for KLETC compliance)
• Assist and develop code enforcement or other strategies to improve our community
• Prepare annual budget estimates
• Oversee major investigations, coordinate with regional/federal partners
• Foster strong community ties: work with USD 415 on School Resource Officer program, public safety education, businesses, and events
• Manage emergency/disaster procedures and inter-agency coordination
• Maintain firearms proficiency (annual qualification)
• Support other city needs as a collaborative team player

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary $65,332 + (with room for negotiation based on experience).
• Comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision insurance, and KPERS retirement benefits.

Enjoy affordable living, short commutes, and more time for family in one of Kansas's most enjoyable small towns.

Employment conditional on background check, drug screen, physical, and credit check.

Apply Today

Applications are available at the Hiawatha Police Department 413 Oregon Street, Hiawatha, Kansas 66434, 785-742-2156 and online on the cities website, https://www.cityofhiawatha.org/ . Submit completed application, resume, and cover letter to Dawn Boyles at dboyles@cityofhiawatha.org.

Applications reviewed as received—don't wait!

The City of Hiawatha is an equal opportunity employer committed to fairness, respect, diversity, and a rewarding workplace where you can thrive personally and professionally.

Ready to lead where it matters most? Utilize your skills for the City of Hiawatha—where community isn't just a word, it's everyday life.