Chief of Police - Raleigh-Durham International Airport Authority (RDU)

Applicants should apply by November 5, 2026 The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) Authority Law Enforcement Department seeks an experienced and transformational leader with a customer service mindset to serve as its next Chief of Police . Desired attributes include: The next Chief of Police will demonstrate passion and energy for achieving Authority goals while strategically and diplomatically leading the department through change in conformance with the Core Values of the organization. Effective in crisis management, the Chief of Police must have strong communication skills with experience in patrol, community policing, and investigative functions of a typical law enforcement agency similar in size to RDU. The ideal leader will have a keen understanding of the culture of an airport law enforcement department, including the high level of federal regulations, and be committed to a level of quality customer service that the department is known for. A transparent and adaptable leader, the Chief of Police will value diversity, equity, and inclusion and balance building camaraderie within the department while ensuring frequent engagement and collaboration with departmental personnel and stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies and Airport Authority leaders. About the Community: The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located at the western edge of Wake County, midway between the cities of Durham and Raleigh in North Carolina. Wake County is home to 11 municipalities, including the capital city of Raleigh. Accessed by I-40 and four major U.S. highways, Wake County has a population over 1 million and is a thriving, growing community with endless opportunities. Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County offers 11 principal colleges and universities, including NC State University. Wake County is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature, and many government offices located in the City of Raleigh. Known as the City of Oaks, Raleigh ranked #2 for Safety, #4 for Economic Well-being, and #6 for Quality of Education and Health among all State Capitals in early 2022. Raleigh boasts more than 9,000 acres of parkland and almost 1,300 acres of water, offering year-round recreational activities. The NHL Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Mudcats Low-A Baseball, and NC FC Men’s and NC Courage Women’s pro soccer teams attract visitors year-round and serve as an entertainment hub for community members. From the NC Opera, NC Symphony and the Carolina Ballet to three major state museums, Raleigh’s culture is rooted in art, history and natural sciences. Neighboring Durham County, with a population of 317,665 and located in North Carolina's Research Triangle Region, is home to Research Triangle Park and is one of the most economically competitive regions in the world. Research and development from many private and federal labs has fueled business and economic growth in Durham County and has made the region a world leader in life sciences, information technology, and clean technology. Consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and play, Durham is a magnet for talent, which helps attract innovative companies working in high-growth industries. Also called the “City of Medicine,” Durham has long been known for world-class medical facilities, including top-ranked Duke University Medical Center, and an industry-leading pharmaceutical sector. The healthcare industry in Durham County includes more than 300 medical and health-related companies and medical practices with a combined payroll that exceeds $1.2 billion annually. More recently, Durham County has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs and high-tech startups, propelled by the launch of American Underground, a startup incubator and accelerator. Durham boasts a premier performing arts center and the Durham Bulls AAA baseball team. In addition to Duke University, Durham is home to North Carolina Central University, the nation’s first public Historically Black College and University, now a major center for biotech and bio-manufacturing R&D, and Durham Technical Community College, a key partner in preparing a competitive workforce. Private investment flourishes, redeveloping former tobacco and textile warehouses and historic buildings into mixed-use developments filled with trendy housing options, restaurants, artist studios, retail spaces, and small businesses. Research Triangle Park (RTP), located just 6.5 miles from the RDU Airport, is a 7,000-acre special county research and production district encompassed on three sides by the city of Durham, with a portion in Wake County, and served by a Durham postal substation. RTP houses more than 170 major research companies employing 39,000 full-time employees and 10,000 contract workers. About the Organization: The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is governed by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, an eight-member board. The Airport Authority was established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1939. The cities of Durham and Raleigh, along with Durham and Wake counties, each appoint two members to the board. The Airport Authority is a local government responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of RDU. The Authority is committed to delivering a world-class airport experience through excellent airport services, facilities, and unparalleled customer service. Since 1938, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority has played a central role in the growth of the Research Triangle Region. With 13 airlines, RDU offers flights to a multitude of nonstop destinations on 300+ daily flights. In addition to an in-house law enforcement department, the Authority also has a Fire-Rescue Department under the leadership of a Chief, with a deputy fire chief, captain, lieutenant and three fire engineers on duty 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. Additionally, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority works closely with a number of