Director of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Our client is seeking to add a Director of Corrections & Rehabilitation to their team.

• Provides overall leadership, direction, and administration for the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
• Oversee the operations, staffing, and fiscal management of all correctional and rehabilitative facilities, programs, and services.
• Supervises the Administrator of Corrections, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Community Corrections and Rehabilitation Center.
• Develops and implements the department’s strategic vision, policies, and performance goals, aligned with the City’s mission and public safety objectives.
• Directs the development of comprehensive policies, procedures, post orders, and emergency plans, ensuring alignment with ACA, NCCHC, and Missouri Jail Standards.
• Collaborates with the Health Department to integrate correctional healthcare, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment within facility operations.
• Partners with the Municipal Court, Kansas City Police Department, and community organizations to ensure efficient intake, booking, release, and reentry processes.
• Oversees workforce planning, recruitment, and training strategies to ensure a professional, well-trained staff dedicated to humane and trauma‑informed practices.
• Directs development and administration of the department’s operating and capital budgets; ensures fiscal accountability and efficient resource allocation.
• Promote partnerships with community service providers and advocacy organizations to support reentry, rehabilitation, and alternatives to incarceration.
• Serves as the department’s principal spokesperson, representing DOCR to the Mayor, City Council, media, and community groups.
• Ensures continuous compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing correctional operations, labor relations, and workplace safety.
• Leads strategic planning and transition activities for both the temporary and permanent CCRC facilities.
• Fosters a positive organizational culture emphasizing ethics, accountability, diversity, and professional development.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of:
  Modern correctional and rehabilitative administration principles, including direct supervision and Strategic Inmate Management (SIM); behavioral health, medical, and substance use disorder treatment operations in correctional settings; organizational leadership, fiscal administration, and public‑sector governance; federal, state, and municipal laws, regulations, and standards governing jail operations and detainee rights; principles of trauma‑informed care, diversity, equity, and inclusion; intergovernmental relations and community collaboration models.
• Ability to:
  Lead a large, multidisciplinary department with professionalism and integrity; develop and implement complex operational, policy, and programmatic strategies; build trust and maintain strong relationships with justice, health, and community partners; communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, and the public, both orally and in writing; analyze complex issues and make sound, evidence‑based decisions under pressure; inspire and develop a high‑performing, mission‑driven workforce.

• Supervisory Responsibility:
  Direct supervision of the Administrator of Corrections, with overall executive oversight of all correctional, rehabilitative, medical, and administrative staff within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in correctional administration, law enforcement, or public‑sector leadership; includes five (5) years in a senior executive role; preference given to candidates with experience integrating healthcare and rehabilitation programs into correctional systems.

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university in criminal justice, public administration, behavioral health, leadership and management, or public safety; preference given to candidates with a graduate‑level degree or higher in these fields.
• Certificates, Licenses, and Special Requirements:
  Must possess a valid driver’s license in accordance with City policy; must pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological exam, and pre‑employment drug screen; no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history.