Executive Director – Office of Police Complaints (OPC)

Washington, DC

Full Time

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ)

Senior Executive

POSITION:   Executive Director
OFFICE: Office of Police Complaints (OPC)
OPEN: August 29, 2025
CLOSE:         September 12, 2025
GRADE:        Excepted Service, Grade 11 (ES-11)
SALARY:      $166,403 to $249,605

This is an Excepted Service position. Selected candidate must be a District resident or establish residency within 180 days of hire.

Current District of Columbia residents will receive priority and advanced preference for screening and interviews.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is an independent, civilian-led District of Columbia government agency charged with promoting police accountability through the fair, thorough, and timely investigation and resolution of complaints of police misconduct. Established under the direction of the Police Complaints Board (PCB) – a five-member board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the DC Council – OPC operates as a quasi-independent agency within the District government.

The agency’s mission is to increase community trust in policing by holding law enforcement accountable through independent oversight, promoting best practices, and advancing transparency.

OPC has jurisdiction over sworn officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the DC Housing Authority Police Department (DCHAPD).

OPC currently has 29 full-time staff members and an annual operating budget of approximately $3.2 million. For more information, visit: www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and legal officer of the Office of Police Complaints and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and administration of the agency. Reporting directly to the Police Complaints Board, the Executive Director manages a dynamic team that investigates allegations of police misconduct, facilitates alternative dispute resolution, issues policy recommendations, and engages with diverse stakeholders across the District.

The Executive Director must demonstrate a strong commitment to community trust, equity, and data-driven oversight, as well as the ability to advance OPC’s mission in a transparent and independent manner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide overall strategic leadership and vision for the agency’s mission, goals, and operations.
Oversee the intake, screening, and resolution of complaints through investigation, mediation, conciliation, or referral, ensuring legal and procedural rigor throughout the process.
Supervise and manage agency staff, contractors, and interns, ensuring high-quality performance, adherence to legal standards, and equitable workplace practices.
Develop and implement policies and procedures that support efficient and effective investigations, adjudications, and policy review.
Oversee the development and publication of policy reports and recommendations designed to improve policing practices in the District.
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with MPD, DCHAPD, community groups, elected officials, and other District agencies to promote the agency’s mission.
Lead community engagement, public education, and outreach efforts to increase awareness of the agency’s services and build trust with diverse communities across the city.
Manage the agency’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
Exercise independent judgment in rendering decisions and recommendations to the Police Complaints Board regarding case outcomes, operations, and policy changes.
Ensure compliance with relevant District and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Support the Board in maintaining and recruiting qualified pools of mediators and complaint examiners.

QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed attorney and active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar, or eligible to waive into the DC Bar at the time of application.
Prior senior-level management and supervisory experience, preferably in a legal, government, or oversight environment.
Demonstrated experience with law enforcement procedures, civilian oversight, civil rights enforcement, public defense, or criminal prosecution.
Proven ability to work effectively with diverse communities and maintain sensitivity to the needs and concerns of residents in all eight wards of the District.
Strong legal research, writing, and editing skills, including the preparation of policy reports and case-related decisions.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, and the independent oversight of public institutions.
Ability to build consensus and maintain productive partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and the public.
Candidates with experience in the oversight of law enforcement or civil rights are encouraged to apply, as are applicants with backgrounds as criminal prosecutors or public defenders.

APPOINTMENT AND TERM

The Executive Director is appointed by the Police Complaints Board for a term of three years and may be reappointed for additional terms. The Executive Director may be removed by the Board for cause.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:

be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
become a District resident within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment.

The law also requires that Excepted Service employees remain District residents during the duration of the individual’s appointment. Failure to remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District of Columbia values a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, or genetic information.

If you are interested in this role, please upload your resume and answer the questionnaire. Only the candidates deemed most suited for the position based on resume will receive a call to schedule further discussion.