Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility Superintendent

State of Ohio • Massillon, OH

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) is to improve Ohio's future by habilitating youth and empowering families and communities. We believe that all youth will be given an opportunity to live up to their greatest potential and staff are our greatest resource. DYS is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio. DYS is statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders, ages 10-21, who have been adjudicated and committed by one of Ohio's 88 county juvenile courts. During their stay with DYS, youth are engaged in programming that is designed to address their criminological and behavioral needs. DYS reaches thousands of youth in facilities and those on parole.

The Mission: To lead a team of dedicated professionals in providing a safe, secure, and habilitative environment where youth can transform their lives.

The Ideal Leader: We are looking for a visionary "change agent" who embodies commitment to excellence and high professional standards. The ideal candidate is a solution-driven leader with the interpersonal skills to build deep connection with staff and youth, the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and the judgment to lead through complex challenges.

Requirements

• Completion of undergraduate core program in business or public administration or social science (e.g., social work, psychology, criminology); and 5 yrs. exp. in supervisory or management position (e.g., security, training & education, business) in juvenile correctional facility or adult correctional facility or juvenile/adult parole program or court/legal system; and 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in budgeting; and 1 yr. trg. or 1 yr. exp. in labor relations.
• Or completion of graduate core program in business or public administration or social science (e.g., social work, psychology, criminology); and 4 yrs. exp. in supervisory or management position (e.g., security, training & education, business) in juvenile correctional facility or adult correctional facility or juvenile/adult parole program or court/legal system; and 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in budgeting; and 1 yr. trg. or 1 yr. exp. in labor relations.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
• Executive Leadership
• The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic Leadership: A proven trackable record of leading teams through organizational change with professionalism and creativity.
• Exceptional Communication: The ability to foster collaboration among internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Solution-Focused: A resilient problem-solver who remains calm under pressure and drives positive outcomes for youth and staff.
• Mission-Driven: A deep dedication to public safety and the habilitative success of the young men in our care.

Responsibilities

• Driving the Habilitative Mission As the primary leader of IRJCF, you will oversee all security and programming operations. You will ensure that facility protocols—including Managing Youth Resistance (MYR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) models—are implemented effectively to balance facility safety with a focus on youth growth and correction.
• Building a Supportive Culture You will prioritize being a visible and accessible leader. By "walking the facility" daily and maintaining open lines of communication with staff at all levels, you will build the trust and connection necessary to address concerns, mentor future leaders, and ensure every employee feels heard and valued.
• Strategic Resource Management You will serve as the vital link between the facility and the DYS Central Office. Through active collaboration with the Director and Deputy Directors, you will manage the facility budget and procurement processes, ensuring that resources are strategically allocated to support both operational security and the agency’s long-term goals.
• Operational Excellence and Safety Indian River is an ACA-accredited facility committed to industry best practices. You will lead the quality improvement processes, analyzing data and security trends to stay ahead of potential disturbances. You will ensure the facility remains in total compliance with state regulations, maintaining a safe environment for the public, staff, and youth.
• Empowering the Workforce You will lead the facility's human resources efforts, ensuring a work environment defined by mutual respect and professional integrity. You will promote equal employment opportunities and ensure a workplace free from intimidation, fostering a culture where every staff member is committed to the mission and supported in their professional journey.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees