Corrections Director

Corrections Director

Lancaster County is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Corrections Director and provide executive-level oversight of the Department of Corrections. This position is responsible for the overall administration, operation, and strategic direction of the County's correctional services, including the management of the Adult Detention Facility, development of innovative correctional programs, regulatory compliance, budget oversight, and coordination with criminal justice partners, government agencies, and the community. The Corrections Director will lead a dedicated team, promote effective and safe correctional practices, ensure the care and custody of individuals in the facility, and guide long-term planning to meet the evolving needs of Lancaster County.

What You'll Do

• Provide executive leadership, direction, and oversight for all Department of Corrections operations, programs, and services.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational strategies that align with professional standards, state regulations, and federal requirements.
• Lead the planning, evaluation, and improvement of correctional and rehabilitation programs to support community safety and positive outcomes.
• Oversee daily operations of the Adult Detention Facility, including intake, booking, classification, inmate programs and services, custody levels, and release processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Nebraska jail standards, correctional regulations, and legal requirements.
• Direct emergency response planning and decision-making for critical incidents, including assaults, suicides, disasters, and other facility emergencies.
• Review operational reports, incident documentation, and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure effective practices.
• Develop and manage the Department's annual budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for Department staff.
• Participate in strategic planning related to staffing, facility needs, organizational structure, and future growth.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with elected officials, law enforcement agencies, courts, community organizations, professional associations, and other criminal justice stakeholders.
• Represent the Department through presentations, committees, community engagement efforts, and legislative or public meetings.
• Collaborate with the County Attorney's Office on litigation, employment matters, and other legal issues affecting Department operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social or behavioral science, public administration, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Four years of responsible experience administering correctional programs within minimum and maximum security facilities, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the work.

Special Requirement

• Must meet all requirements necessary for employment in a correctional facility as established by the State of Nebraska.

Benefits

• You will accrue 80 vacation leave hours per calendar year, accrued at a rate of 3.08 hours per pay period with a balance cap of 240 hours.
• You will accrue 104 hours per year of sick leave, at the rate of 4 hours per pay period, not to exceed 2,080 hours.
• The County offers 11 paid holidays and 3 personal convenience days per fiscal year.
• You will be eligible to participate in the County's comprehensive benefits program. This includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental term life. You will also be able to contribute to a medical and/or dependent care flexible spending account. Your benefits will start the first of the month following your date of hire.
• After six months of employment the County will contribute to a Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP) on your behalf. The County will deposit $25.00 per pay period into your PEHP account. This money may be used to pay for eligible medical expenses after you leave County employment.
• The County provides $50,000 of life insurance effective the first of the month following your start date.
• You may elect to participate in the County's 401(a) Retirement Plan by making a written request to the County board at any time after you become a County employee. If you make 8% voluntary contributions, the County will contribute an 8% employer match. After one year of service, and at age 25, you will automatically become a plan participant.
• You are eligible to receive up to six weeks, or 240 hours, of paid parental leave following the birth of a child/children or starting the placement of a child/children through adoption or foster care. Approved paid parental leave may be taken at any time during the 12-month period immediately following the birth, starting the adoption, or foster care placement of a child/children.