Policy Initiatives Director

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections is currently recruiting to fill an Policy Initiatives Advisor- Administrative (Policy Initiatives Director) position, located at Central Office in Madison, Wisconsin. 

This position has the authority to direct and monitor the work of staff across the division to develop major policy initiatives and is a member of the division’s executive leadership team. Examples of major initiatives include corrections reform, normative practices, continuous improvement reviews, as this position will be responsible to move division-wide efforts towards achieving operational excellence.  This position works closely with DAI leadership and key policy makers to include the Secretary’s Office, division administrators, policy and budget staff, and communications staff as needed to advise on and guide activities to achieve goals. This position seeks to ensure performance-based measurement and assessment of programs and initiatives with consideration of the operational and financial impacts on the division and department.

The position is responsible for collaborating with members of the leadership team to propose and advise on strategic goals and to provide primary structure in alignment with the agency’s strategic initiatives. This position requires cross-divisional and cross-systems collaboration, including coordination with key policy makers within the division, state agencies, and other external stakeholders. This position functions as the principal policy advisor to the Administrator with substantial authority to develop and advise on the formulation and implementation of policies, processes, and programs to carry out strategic objectives. The Policy Initiatives Advisor works proactively with policy makers and subject matter experts on strategic policy initiatives through the stages of development, enactment/adoption, and/or implementation to strengthen divisional core capacities and enhance the work of the department.

This position is in pay schedule and range 81-02 with a starting annual pay of $68723 to $113318, plus excellent benefits. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire.  A two year career executive trial period is required. 

Minimally qualified applicants will have experience:

• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and processes; 
• Evaluating projects/initiatives/programs and implementing change/improvements
• Conducting research and data analysis to identify and create initiatives aligning with strategic goals
• Coordinating with, and/or working on, various workgroups and/or project teams

In addition to the above, well qualified applicant will have experience:

• Developing strategic communications involving new program initiatives.
• Leading cross-divisional and/or cross-agency workgroups or project teams. 
• Providing executive level presentations and briefings