Director of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Note : Salary will be decided depending on the candidate s skills and past achievements

Position Description

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.

Skills Required

Essential Technical and Leadership Skills:

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.

Experience Required DIRECT HIRE

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.

Education Required DIRECT HIRE

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.

Must Have
Executive Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead a large, multidisciplinary correctional department and supervise senior staff.
Correctional & Rehabilitative Expertise: Strong knowledge of correctional operations, Strategic Inmate Management (SIM), and compliance with ACA, NCCHC, and Missouri Jail Standards.
Behavioral Health Integration: Experience integrating medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder programs within correctional settings.
Fiscal & Operational Oversight: Skilled in budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring efficient, compliant departmental operations.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent ability to engage with elected officials, staff, community partners, and the public, fostering intergovernmental and community relationships.

Additional Information

Hours: Mon Fri, 8:00 AM 5:00 PM; as a director, you may be required to respond to urgent matters outside regular hours.

Relocation: Negotiable (language also listed in posting).

Benefits: The City of Kansas City, Missouri offers a comprehensive benefits package including: - Medical, dental, and vision insurance - Flexible spending accounts - Life and long-term disability insurance - Defined contribution retirement plan - 11 paid holidays - Vacation and sick time accrual starting on the first day of hire - Up to eight hours of paid leave annually to volunteer in local schools and designated charities - Deferred compensation plan - Additional ancillary benefit options

Residency within Kansas City, Missouri is required within nine months.