Title: Inspector General
Location: San Francisco, CA
Onsite/Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid
Organization Type: Local Government
Time zone: PST
Salary Range/Compensation: $169,858 – $216,710
Client: City and County of San Francisco
Company Overview:
San Francisco is Northern California’s commercial, financial, and cultural center. The city is the 17th most populous city in the United States and the 4th most populous in California. San Francisco is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, enriched by diverse communities, cultural attractions and natural beauty etched by the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and hilly terrain.
The Office of Sheriff’s Inspector General and the Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board were established by a Charter Amendment passed by the voters of San Francisco in November 2021. Under broad policy direction from the Board, the Inspector General carries out the mandates of the Department under Charter Section 4.137. These responsibilities include reviewing and investigating complaints against Sheriff’s Office employees and contractors and recommending disciplinary action to the Sheriff when their investigation establishes a violation of law or Sheriff’s Office policy. The Department investigates the death of any individual in custody of the Sheriff’s Office and conducts audits of Sheriff’s Office operations, including services provided to individuals incarcerated in the jails. The Inspector General will provide quarterly reports on the results of investigations and audits to the Board.
Job Description:
The Inspector General will have the unique opportunity to lead a still new Office of Inspector General, setting up all aspects of the new Department, including hiring and training staff, developing and administering the Department’s budget, and establishing procedures and policies for the conduct of investigations and audits. The IG will set the office’s operational philosophy and develop investigation and audit procedures to ensure a thorough, objective, and impartial approach.
Community outreach and engagement will be essential to building trust in the new Office of Inspector General. The Inspector General will also establish effective working relationships with the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, Ethics Commission, and other agencies involved in their oversight duties.
The Inspector General will use Sheriff’s Office data to identify patterns in conduct, complaints, and critical incidents. They will have the authority to review operations and make data-driven recommendations to the Sheriff and Board regarding policy changes and disciplinary actions. The Inspector General will exercise discretion in reviewing internal operations and maintain complete confidentiality of information unless disclosure is authorized within City guidelines or required by law.
In performing its duties, the Office of Inspector General may hold hearings, issue subpoenas to witnesses to appear and for the production of evidence, administer oaths, and take testimony.
Education and Experience:
Under Charter Amendment 4.137, the Inspector General cannot have been previously employed by a police or sheriff department or by a labor organization representing employees of such a department.
Education:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
Five years of management experience in public administration, law enforcement oversight, performance or compliance auditing, public policy development, civil or human rights, criminal justice policy, investigations or a related field. All of the qualifying experience must include supervisory experience.
Substitution: Applicants may substitute up to two years of the required education with additional qualifying experience as described above.
Desirable Skills:
• Major coursework in criminal justice, law, public administration or a related field
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution and/or a Master’s Degree with major coursework as listed above
• Experience with law enforcement oversight is highly desired
• Experience developing and managing investigative policies and procedures
• Strong organizational and management skills, including the ability to direct, supervise, and train staff, exercise administrative ingenuity, independent analysis, adaptability and judgment on complex administrative investigations
• Experience establishing new agencies or organizations
• Conducting, supervising or managing civil, criminal or personnel investigations
• Developing and/or applying investigative policies, procedures and methods
• Oversight or policy analysis involving jails or prisons
• Media and political savvy
• Understanding of legislation related to law enforcement oversight, operations, and regulations
• Experience working with employee organizations and unions, especially law enforcement unions
• Knowledge of and experience with the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights (POBR)
• Commitment to celebrating diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Able to recognize and consider trauma-informed perspectives
Attractive Factors:
The next Inspector General will have the opportunity to shape and lead the Office of the Sheriff’s Inspector General and make a positive impact the community of City and County of San Francisco, one of the prominent and innovative cities in the Country.
Important Note:
Candidates are encouraged to express interest early in the process. This recruitment is considered open until filled. For first consideration, submit your application by March 6, 2026.
Questions? Please contact Berkeley Search Consultants’ Vice President, Fulfillment Strategies, Phong Trieu. ptrieu@berkeleysearch.com
