Harris County is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated leader to serve as the Executive Director for the Office of Justice and Safety. The Executive Director will be responsible for advancing the goals of Commissioners Court in the areas of Justice and Safety: to promote safe, healthy, thriving communities through restorative and evidence-based strategies that foster public trust, prevent violence and trauma, reduce racial and economic disparities, and minimize criminal justice system exposure where at all possible.
The Executive Director will manage the Harris County Office of Justice and Safety and its team of approximately eighteen employees who work on data analysis and transparency; policy research and special projects; external affairs; and system coordination and improvement.
Specific responsibilities for the Executive Director and their team at the Office of Justice and Safety include:
Analyzing criminal justice system data to identify important trends and opportunities for improving outcomes.
Researching policies, programs and initiatives which may serve as models for Harris County.
Making recommendations to Harris County Commissioners Court and criminal justice system agencies.
Coordinating with Harris County agencies and elected officials implement recommendations, including securing appropriate funding from Commissioners Court.
Creating and maintaining dashboards on topics such as crime rates, traffic stops, the use of court-appointed attorneys, and cash bail.
Facilitating the implementation of misdemeanor bail reform, working with County departments and the court monitor in the O’Donnell consent decree.
Engaging with communities in Harris County to improve their understanding of the County’s programs, as well as obtaining input and feedback on these programs.
Supporting the Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
Administering community-based grants and programs that provide non-carceral alternatives and programs for youth.
As elected officials play a vital role in the Harris County criminal justice system, a primary responsibility of the Executive Director will be to coordinate and collaborate with the elected Sheriff, Constables, District Attorney, judges, and other officials.
Excellence at collaborating and managing stakeholders with differing priorities and objectives is a key function of this role. The successful candidate will be a leader with a passion for public service. Reporting to the Deputy County Administrator for Justice and Safety, the ideal candidate will have deep experience with federal, state, and local government criminal justice systems, familiarity with best practices and data-driven policies, and significant experience working with or at criminal justice system agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Build strong and collaborative relationships between Commissioners Court and other Elected Officials and justice system professionals
Provide data, analysis, and recommendations to Commissioners Court, the County Administrator, and the Deputy County Administrator for Justice and Safety
Facilitate working groups and committees of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Manage special projects that improve criminal justice outcomes
Successfully engage with Harris County communities to improve mutual understanding and relationships
Supporting Job Application Documents:
Cover letter
Resume
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Business Management, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Public Policy, Government, Law, Education, or a related field
Five (5) years of senior-level management experience
Ten (10) + years' experience as a criminal justice or public safety professional
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent verbal and written skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Leadership experience of newly formed organizations and teams
Intermediate skills using Windows software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases
Preferences
Advanced degree in Business Management, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Public Policy, Government, Law, Education, or a related field
General Information
Position Type and Hours:
Regular Full-time
Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department
Salary:
Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 Pay Periods
Plus, benefits
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing systems, and fax machines
Physical Demands:
This is largely a sedentary role
Some travel may be required
Reporting Relationship:
Reports To Position: Deputy County Administrator, Justice and Safety
Supervises Positions: ~18