Director of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Our client is seeking a seasoned executive leader to serve as Director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. This role provides strategic, operational, and fiscal leadership for all correctional and rehabilitative facilities, programs, and services, with a strong emphasis on public safety, humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reentry.

This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced corrections or public-sector executive ready to shape policy, culture, and long-term strategy at the department-wide level.

Position Overview

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and administration for the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation
• Oversee operations, staffing, and fiscal management across all correctional and rehabilitative facilities and programs
• Supervise the Administrator of Corrections, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient facility operations
• Lead the department's strategic vision, policies, and performance goals aligned with public safety objectives
• Direct planning and transition activities for both temporary and permanent facility operations

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement department-wide policies, procedures, post orders, and emergency plans

• Ensure compliance with ACA, NCCHC, and Missouri Jail Standards

• Collaborate with health partners to integrate medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment
• Partner with justice system stakeholders to ensure efficient intake, booking, release, and reentry
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, training, and professional development
• Direct operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability and effective resource allocation
• Build partnerships with community and advocacy organizations to support rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration
• Serve as the department's principal spokesperson to elected officials, media, and community groups
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Foster an organizational culture centered on ethics, accountability, diversity, and trauma-informed practices

Leadership & Technical Expertise

Strong knowledge of:

• Modern correctional and rehabilitative administration (including direct supervision and Strategic Inmate Management)
• Correctional healthcare, behavioral health, and substance use treatment
• Public-sector governance, fiscal administration, and organizational leadership

• Correctional laws, detainee rights, and regulatory compliance

• Trauma-informed care, DEI principles, and intergovernmental

  collaboration

Proven ability to:

• Lead large, multidisciplinary organizations with integrity and professionalism

• Develop and execute complex operational and policy strategies

• Build trust across justice, health, and community partners

• Communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, and the public

• Make sound, evidence-based decisions under pressure

• Inspire and develop a high-performing, mission-driven workforce

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, public safety, behavioral health, or related field

• 10+ years of experience in corrections, law enforcement, or public-sector leadership

• 5+ years in a senior executive or director-level role

• Preferred experience integrating healthcare and rehabilitation programs into correctional systems

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license (per policy)

• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological exam, and drug screening

• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history

Why This Role?

• Competitive executive-level compensation

• Authority to shape policy, culture, and long-term strategy

• Opportunity to modernize correctional operations with a rehabilitation-focused approach

• High visibility with elected officials and community stakeholders

• Meaningful impact on public safety, justice reform, and community outcomes

Location

• Kansas City, MO

Compensation

• $150,000 - $175,000