Co-Director of Fair & Impartial Policing and Community Engagement

Overview

The Vermont State Police is seeking a thoughtful, community-connected person to serve as its Civilian Co-Director for Fair and Impartial Policing and Community Engagement.

The Co-Director will be a trusted civilian advisor to Vermont State Police leadership and a bridge between the State Police and the communities it serves. This person will listen to Vermonters, communicate community concerns and experiences to VSP, and offer practical, independent advice about policy, training, and police-community relationships.

The Co-Director will work in partnership with the Sworn Co-Director while maintaining an independent civilian perspective. The position does not supervise law enforcement operations and is not responsible for speaking on behalf of every Vermont community. Instead, the Co-Director will build relationships, bring people and perspectives into conversation, identify concerns and opportunities, and help VSP make informed decisions.

This is a part-time exempt position. Anticipated approximate starting salary range from $43/hr. to $54/hr. Responsibilities and requests will be prioritized to fit an average schedule of 25 hours per week. The full job description is available at this site.

This is a leadership role for VSP’s Fair and Impartial Policing work, with responsibilities that include:

• Policy & Systems
  • Help integrate fair and impartial, identity-responsive policing into policies, training, supervision, recruitment, and discipline.
  • Translate legal and research requirements into clear expectations and practices.
• Data & Accountability
  • Lead analysis of policing data (e.g., stops, arrests, use of force, complaints) to identify disparities.
  • Turn findings into recommendations for policy, training, and operational improvements.
  • Support transparent public reporting.
• Community Engagement
  • Serve as a trusted civilian point of contact for impacted communities.
  • Build and maintain meaningful relationships with community members and leaders.
  • Facilitate shared governance and dialogue around policing concerns, especially during high-profile incidents.
• Training & Coaching
  • Develop and deliver training on fair and impartial, identity-based policing.
  • Provide coaching and facilitation to support reflection, emotional intelligence, and decision-making.
• Legislative & External Partnerships
  • Serve as a liaison to legislators, oversight bodies, advocacy groups, and partner agencies.
  • Track and apply best practices in fair and impartial policing.
• Organizational Culture
  • Support a workplace culture grounded in equity, accountability, and wellness.
  • Assist leadership in addressing bias concerns, internal barriers, and retention challenges.
  • Help manage FIP-related communications and social media.

Who May Apply

This position, Co-Director of Fair & Impartial Policing and Community Engagement (Job Requisition #55687), is open to all State employees and external applicants. 
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Commissioner [email protected].
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

PUBLIC SAFETY BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position to include Motor Vehicle/Criminal Records, Personal History, Credit and any additional background check(s).

Environmental Factors

The Co-Director will work in community settings, VSP facilities, offices, legislative settings, and remotely. Statewide travel and occasional evening or weekend meetings are expected. Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to state policy. The position may encounter emotionally difficult subjects and disagreement involving policing, identity, safety, and public trust. The Co-Director and the Director of the Vermont State Police will regularly establish priorities so that committee work, policy review, training requests, legislative responsibilities, travel, and community engagement remain manageable within the position’s 25-hour schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience building trust and working with people from different backgrounds or perspectives.
Experience listening to community concerns and communicating them to an organization, public body, or decision-maker.
Experience facilitating meetings, discussions, training, or other group activities.
Demonstrated experience building, rebuilding, or substantially improving a program, committee, partnership, or collaborative initiative.
Clear oral and written communication.
Ability to travel throughout Vermont for work-related purposes, with reasonable accommodations available.
A particular college degree is not required. Relevant education may be considered, but applicants may demonstrate their qualifications through professional experience, community work, volunteer service, and lived experience.

Please consider applying even if you do not meet every qualification listed. Strong candidates may bring skills from work or settings that do not use terms such as “fair and impartial policing,” “community engagement,” or “policy development.” For example, you may already have relevant skills if you have helped a community solve problems, earned trust across differences, advocated for others, led difficult conversations, taught adults, served in local government, worked with people during stressful situations, or helped an organization respond to public concerns. In your cover letter, tell us how your employment, community involvement, volunteer service, education, or lived experience has prepared you to listen, build trust, offer thoughtful advice, and connect Vermont communities with the Vermont State Police.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.