What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning and Research Supervisor position at City of Colorado Springs?
This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.
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Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. As an employee with the City of Colorado Springs, there is Room to Grow! See the full potential of growth for this position here: 2026 Salary Schedule
As a Planning and Research Supervisor, you will:
- Provide day-to-day administrative supervision of assigned staff by assigning and monitoring work; managing workloads and schedules; approving leave and time records; establishing performance expectations; conducting performance evaluations; providing coaching and professional development; providing input on hiring and disciplinary actions; and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Conduct complex quantitative and qualitative analyses of police operations, organizational performance, workload, staffing, and service delivery; prepare reports, data visualizations, presentations, forecasts, and recommendations to support data-driven operational and management decisions.
- Conduct research and program evaluation using surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, benchmarking, field observations, subject matter expert input, and other research methods to assess departmental programs, operations, and emerging issues and recommend evidence-based improvements.
- Coordinate the development, maintenance, quality, and publication of datasets and related content supporting the department's open data and transparency initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of research methods, program evaluation, organizational assessment, and performance measurement principles.
- Knowledge of law enforcement operations, public administration, and emerging issues affecting policing.
- Ability to read, interpret, and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources, including operational data, legislation, public policy, professional publications, and research literature.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, apply critical thinking, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
- Ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-organized reports, presentations, and other written materials that synthesize complex information.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community members, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
- Ability to supervise, coach, and develop professional staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Skill in using spreadsheet, presentation, data visualization, and analytical software to support research and decision-making.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive, confidential, or law enforcement information.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study; preferably public administration, criminal justice, public policy, social sciences, business administration, or another research-oriented field. Five years of full-time professional experience in a related field; preferably public administration, criminal justice, public policy, social sciences, business administration, or another research-oriented field, including two years of administrator and/or supervisory experience. Colorado driver's license.
Experience conducting applied research, program evaluation, or organizational assessments. Experience with law enforcement or public safety operations. Experience supervising professional staff or leading complex projects. Experience using data analysis and visualization tools to support research and decision-making. Experience with strategic planning, performance measurement, workload analysis, or continuous improvement initiatives. Experience developing reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Working Conditions: Office environment; Day shift; Monday through Friday; Extensive computer use and prolonged viewing of computer screens; infrequent contact with the public; frequent contact with City employees. Work environment includes field-based observational activities, such as Communications Center sit-alongs and ride-alongs or other observational activities with sworn personnel. The position also involves review of police reports, body worn camera video, and other materials that may contain graphic, disturbing, or otherwise sensitive content. This position is exempt and work outside normal business hours is required as necessary.
Please contact CSPD Human Resources at cspdhiring@coloradosprings.gov for any questions about this position.
Pre-employment Requirements: The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of an extensive background investigation, to include a polygraph examination, extensive background check, fingerprinting, criminal history check, and other pre-employment assessments. The background investigation process commonly takes 6-8 weeks to complete.
Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.
Salary : $49 - $59