Client: City of Chicago, IL
Position: Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department
Closing Date: September 24, 2026
Additional Information:
A national search is underway to attract effective, forward-thinking, community-minded candidates to serve as the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
The position of Police Superintendent offers an extraordinary opportunity to be a significant agent of change in Chicago. Leading the second largest police agency in the country, the Police Superintendent will take on critical challenges facing our city: increasing public safety, delivering systemwide police reforms, supporting officer wellness, and cultivating deep and lasting trust with communities. The next person to serve in this role must be prepared to manage a workforce of around 13,000 people and an annual operating budget of over $2 billion, communicate effectively while building community with Chicagoans of all walks of life, and implement innovative, equitable, and research-driven strategies to improve the quality of life in every neighborhood of Chicago.
Experience: Extensive experience as a high-level executive in charge of critical departmental functions in a large law enforcement agency. At least 10 years of increasingly responsible managerial and supervisory experience in municipal law enforcement. A demonstrated track record of working effectively with diverse communities, conducting meaningful public engagement, and fostering positive ties with neighborhoods. Experience implementing reforms and working with court-enforced consent decrees is preferred.
Education: Requires either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or A minimum of 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university plus at least 15 years of experience as detailed above.
Preferred: Graduate degree from (or successful completion of a significant number of graduate-level courses at) an accredited college or university; Successful completion of advanced law enforcement and leadership training at a recognized institution.
Residency: The Chicago Municipal Code requires all City employees to reside within the city limits. If the successful candidate is not currently a Chicago resident, they must relocate within the shortest feasible time after being appointed.
The annual salary for the Superintendent of Police is $290,000 to $325,000 annually, dependent on qualifications and experience. The City offers an excellent benefits package. The budget is assessed annually.
Apply by September 24, 2026 for optimal consideration. This position is open until an appointment has been made.
Candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a comprehensive resume, compelling cover letter, and list of five professional references to apply@ralphandersen.com. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. After the mayor makes a selection, an offer will follow, contingent on confirmation by City Council and the successful completion of the remainder of the City’s hiring process.
Confidential inquiries are welcome to Ms. Sabrina Landreth at (415) 317-1555 or by email to sabrina@ralphandersen.com, or Chief Daniel Hahn (ret) at (916) 719-9386 or by email to daniel@ralphandersen.com.
Confidentiality: The Commission will make every effort to maintain confidentiality regarding all matters pertaining to individual applicants. However, the names of the three nominees that the Commission submits to the mayor will become public. The three finalists will be notified in advance of any public announcement of their nomination and may also be asked to appear at community events. If the mayor declines to appoint any of the three finalists, the law requires the Commission to publish the mayor’s written explanation for not selecting any of the Commission’s nominees. Finally, a portion of your application may become public via an Illinois FOIA request
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