JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
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This is an outstanding opportunity to live and work in a progressive urban Midwestern county government located in America’s heartland. Jackson County is the home of both Kansas City and Independence, key Midwestern communities with much historic significance and cities that are currently important to the making of a regional economic hub. A safe, vibrant and diverse community, Jackson County strives to be the catalyst in the resolution of regional issues, improving the quality of life of all residents. The ideal candidate for Director of Corrections should have professional experience and training in the overall administration and operation of a modern detention center and be committed to providing the highest quality of service with honesty and integrity to the Jackson County community. The successful candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice Administration or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible knowledge and experience in the field of Corrections is preferred, with three years of that experience at the supervisory level. This experience could include acting as Corrections Director in a smaller jurisdiction or as a director or division manager in the corrections department of a large jurisdiction. The new Director of Corrections should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be familiar with the processes of inmate population management and correctional facility staffing. The successful candidate should command a working knowledge related to the maintenance and care of the physical plant and in the utilization of available data/information for making decisions and for reporting purposes. The Corrections Director will report to a professional Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (Deputy CAO) who will work with the recently appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to manage the day-to-day functions of County government. Residence within Jackson County will be required of the Director of Corrections within a reasonable time after appointment. The incumbent should be a highly responsible, high-energy level individual, skilled in program evaluation and crisis intervention techniques, oriented to the use of new technology and willing to make a professional commitment to stay in Jackson County for some time into the future. The Director of Corrections shall manage the day-to-day activites of the Corrections Department of the County. On December 15, 1826, the Missouri State Legislature authorized the "County of Jackson," named after the 7th president of the United States of America, Andrew Jackson. Jackson County is one of 114 counties in Missouri and contains most of Kansas City, Missouri and 17 other cities and towns. It has a total population of approximately 662,959 within 609 square miles. There are 12 municipalities in Jackson County, which account for 97 percent of the County population. The Jackson County Department of Corrections is accountable for operation of the County Corrections functions, through the Deputy CAO, CAO and County Executive, to the citizens of Jackson County. For 2007, the Jackson County Department of Corrections has a projected operating budget of $13.5 million. The Department of Corrections manages the Jackson County Detention Center, part of the George W. Lehr Criminal Justice Complex. A true detention facility, 70% of County inmates are pre-trial. A large portion of the remainder of inmates is awaiting sentencing and reassignment to other facilities. The Jackson County Department of Corrections is a 24 hour per day, seven day per week operation. The Department is charged primarily with the custody, care, and control of adult pre-trial offenders; post-trial offenders; those awaiting probation and parole hearings; holds from other jurisdictions, and inmates sentenced to one year or less. While in custody, the Department will maintain the care and custody of inmates in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and County statutes. The Director of Corrections will be responsible for the overall operation and effectiveness of a staff of 230 employees and over 800 +/- inmates on a daily basis. The starting salary for the Director of Corrections for Jackson County will be market competitive, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual. The expected starting salary will be in the range of $66,980-$110,520. In addition, Jackson County will provide an excellent fringe benefit package to the successful candidate. For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 505-466-9500; mercer@mindspring.com. Confidential resumes should be sent immediately to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 West Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-1274. E-Mail:mercer@mindspring.com; Website: www.mercergroupinc.com. Jackson County is committed to workforce diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority and Female Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.