Director of Corrections & Rehabilitation

This is a highly responsible executive leadership position directing the Kansas City Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR), a newly established department integrating correctional operations with public health, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services. The Director provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for all departmental functions, including operations of the Community Corrections and Rehabilitation Center (CCRC), both temporary and permanent facilities. The Director is responsible for building and sustaining a modern, humane, and trauma-informed correctional system that emphasizes rehabilitation, treatment, and safe reintegration of individuals into the community. Work involves extensive collaboration with the Assistant City Manager, the Administrator of Corrections, the Municipal Court, the Kansas City Police Department, Community Organizations, and the Health Department. The position requires knowledge, innovation, diplomacy, and sound executive judgment in leading a high-profile department that embodies Kansas City’s commitment to safety, dignity, and public health.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

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. Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager and reviewed through conferences, reports, and performance metrics related to departmental goals and citywide priorities.

Experience Required

 Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in correctional administration, law enforcement, or public-sector leadership, including five (5) years in a senior executive role. Preference given to candidates with experience integrating healthcare and rehabilitation programs into correctional systems.

Education Required

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 criminal justice, public administration, behavioral health, leadership and management or public safety.

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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The anticipated monthly salary range for this position is $12,389-$27,500/month with a starting salary commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience and professional achievement. The City of Kansas City, Missouri offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life and long-term disability insurance, defined contribution retirement plan, 11 paid holidays, vacation and sick time accrual starting the first day of hire, up to eight hours of paid leave annually to volunteer in area schools and designated charities, deferred compensation plan, and other ancillary benefit options. Click here to view the full list of benefits offered by the City. Residency within Kansas City, Missouri is required within nine months of appointment. Reimbursement of relocation expenses is negotiable.

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