Job Description

The Department of Corrections is seeking an experienced, mission driven leader to serve as its Chief of Operations. This executive level role oversees the daily operations of the statewide correctional system, including security, vocational and educational programming, and all other services provided to incarcerated individuals and those under community supervision.
The Chief of Operations provides direct supervision to the Department's division directors and works collaboratively with community partners, state agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure safe, secure, and effective operations across all facilities, probation and parole sites, and programs.

This is a pivotal role for a strategic, forward thinking leader committed to operational excellence, organizational culture, and public service.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner on the execution of the Department's statutory, regulatory, and policy responsibilities
• Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to the Department's Division Directors
• Build and strengthen relationships with State of Vermont agencies, departments, legislatures, and community partners
• Lead and support cultural change initiatives across the Department

Key Skills

• Extensive leadership experience in corrections, public safety, human services, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and large teams
• Strong communication, collaboration, and systems level planning skills
• Commitment to equity, safety, and organizational culture improvement

Compensation: The anticipated approximate starting salary range will be from $120,000 to $140,000 annually.

Who May Apply

This position, Chief of Operations - Exempt (Job Requisition #54713), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jenna.Bessette@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Minimum Qualifications

Eight (8) or more years of experience in either a correctional setting, probation and parole setting, or a role requiring frequent interaction with correctional facility administration, coordinating with a correctional facility program, or direct casework AND four (4) or more years of experience in a management or leadership position in the broad area of human services

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Criminal Justice or a related human services field
• Graduation from a law enforcement academy
• Completion of a correctional academy

DOC PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Requirements

In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information. Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse. By submitting this online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and complete. The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating and verifying your work history.

Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment. You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.