Program Manager - POST Backgrounds - LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE ONLY

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) is seeking a Background Investigations Program Manager to lead and grow its background investigation program. This role carries full operational ownership of the department, combining daily hands-on investigative work with program leadership, client relationship management, and business development. The Program Manager will serve as CAI's primary point of contact with POST on matters of background investigation compliance and will lead the program's expansion into additional states. This role offers growth potential within CAI's leadership structure as the Backgrounds program and broader public safety support service offerings expand.

Position Summary
The Background Investigations Program Manager is directly and personally involved in the day-to-day operations of the Backgrounds department. This is not a purely administrative or oversight-only role. The Program Manager works within the department daily, alongside investigative staff, handling active casework, managing workflow, and maintaining direct visibility into ongoing investigations, in addition to client relationship management, business development, and regulatory liaison responsibilities with POST.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Personally manage and participate in the daily operations of the Backgrounds department, including active case handling, case assignment, workflow oversight, and quality control.
• Maintain direct, hands-on involvement in background investigation casework as a routine and ongoing part of the role, not an occasional function.
• Responsible for supervising department staff, with outcomes reported to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Meet with existing clients to review service delivery, address concerns, and confirm CAI is meeting contractual and regulatory expectations.
• Identify and pursue new client relationships to grow the background investigation service line.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with POST for matters related to background investigation standards and compliance.
• Evaluate and enhance CAI's background investigation processes and service offerings on an ongoing basis.
• Research and lead expansion of background investigation services into additional states, including identification of state-specific licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting in accordance with CAI and client requirements.

Required Qualifications

• REQUIRED: Prior law enforcement experience with a minimum rank of Sergeant.
• REQUIRED: You must have left your agency in good standing and not on the decertification list.
• REQUIRED: Demonstrated experience conducting or overseeing background investigations.
• REQUIRED: Working knowledge of POST background investigation standards.
• REQUIRED: Strong computer and technology skills, with the ability to leverage technology to advance department operations and improve program efficiency.
• REQUIRED: Ability to travel occasionally to client sites and, as needed, to other states.
• REQUIRED: Valid driver's license in good standing.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory or command experience within a law enforcement agency.
• Existing relationships with law enforcement or public agency clients.
• Experience in business development or account management.

Technology and Reporting Expectations

• Proficiency with standard office software and case management systems.
• Timely and accurate documentation of client interactions, staffing decisions, and investigation status.

Who This Role Is Not For
This is a fast paced role for someone who is self motivated and consistently looking for ways to enhance the program. This role requires direct, daily hands-on involvement in Backgrounds department operations and is not suited for someone seeking a purely administrative, oversight-only, or desk-only position removed from active casework. The Program Manager is expected to continually evaluate department performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and actively move the department forward without active casework. Individuals seeking a passive, hands-off, or maintenance-only role should not apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
CAI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000