Job Description

Please apply by October 19, 2026

Detention Program Director

Salary Range: $82,435 - $103,043

This is a salary exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office hires professionals that desire to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and our community through excellent customer service, good judgment, and integrity while maintaining safe and secure facilities. If you are interested in making a difference in the community, positively influencing others, and working for the citizens of Mecklenburg County, then MCSO wants you to come join our team.

Position Summary

The Detention Program Director is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of a detention program. They develop and implement policies and procedures, ensure compliance with regulations and standards, community outreach, strategic planning, program development, supervise staff members, and maintain a safe and secure environment for detainees. They also collaborate with external agencies and stakeholders, provide leadership and guidance, and work towards the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of detainees into society. Additionally, the director represents Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) at multiple levels of government, business, and the non-profit community. Regular and dependable attendance is expected of all Sheriff’s Office Employees.

Essential Functions

This position oversees the Detention Program Assistant Director, Detention Program Manager(s)/Specialists, Chaplains, administrative support staff, and contract staff. This supervision is required to ensure optimal operations and adherence to established MCSO guidelines.

• Provide general oversight to the daily operations of Detention Programs
• Program development and expansion of services to the Detention Programs
• Develop and manage contracts, budgets, grants, MOU’s and other financial and legal documents as required.
• Supervise staff.
• Liaison with community organizations, government and non-profit(s), in the human services arena.
• Customer Service and Crisis Management
• Oversight of quality behavioral health services integrated into the program’s continuum.
• Inter/intra agency communication and operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of role of incarceration, including methods, models and philosophies.
• Working knowledge and understanding of local, state and federal standards, regulations and guidelines regarding rights of residents incarcerated in jails and detention facilities.
• Broad knowledge of human service resources and working relationships at management level.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, best practices in human service/education.
• Make assignments to various staff to fulfill a request or business imperative
• Motivate and manage staff and monitor job performance and provide feedback regarding performance and expectations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of five years in Organizational Management, Human Services or Public Health Coordination

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Project Management, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

A master's degree in criminal justice, Project management, or a related field.

Two or more years of experience in management.

Corrections and Detention, Project Management, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Mental Health, Substance Use, Trauma, Rehabilitation services

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement:

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergencies and/or disaster situations.

Position#20011304