Warden, Allegheny County Jail

Allegheny County, PA supported by HR&A Advisors•Pittsburgh, PA

9d•$150,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

The next Warden of the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) will have broad responsibility for its operations, the residents within, the various programs administered by the jail (solely and in partnership with other organizations), the performance of the staff of ACJ, and compliance with all relevant policies and laws. The following vision for the experience, values, and commitments of the next Warden is inspired by the mandate set forth by Executive Innamorato. Specifically, the Warden will be: Collaborative – with a demonstrated ability to work respectfully and successfully with community groups, oversight boards, and legal community; Fair-minded and inspirational – committed to the success and professional development of staff and the well-being of jail residents; Person-centered – valuing the lived experience of system-impacted individuals and committed to having their voices inform ACJ policies; and Visionary – with a clear articulation of the systemic injustices that contribute to incarceration and a commitment to decision-making with this reality in mind.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public policy, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public health, health administration, public administration, or a related field
At least 6 years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in the context of facilities that focus on rehabilitation or education
Professional development of staff
Responsibility for those under their care
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible professional experience
At least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role with direct oversight of large teams and complex operations
Demonstrated experience managing a large, diverse workforce in a unionized environment, including collective bargaining and labor relations
Experience overseeing safety, security, and daily operations for a high-population facility or comparably complex public-sector organization
Gifted communicator and skilled stakeholder navigator with a steady, credible public presence
Composed under media scrutiny and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders
Track record of developing and implementing organizational policy and procedure at scale
Working knowledge of correctional systems and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing incarcerated populations
Experience managing large public budgets
Deep knowledge of criminal justice system
Knowledge of best practices in correctional systems
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances regarding the safety of incarcerated persons and the physical conditions in which they are held
Knowledge of principles of education and rehabilitation within prisons and outcomes regarding re-entry
Experience partnering with health and human services agencies, or overseeing rehabilitative, behavioral health, or substance use treatment programming
Knowledge of motivating and supporting staff and setting clear expectations for organizational success
Knowledge of long-standing disparities within the criminal legal system
Track record of success in staff support, development, and accountability
Track record of success in safety and security for residents, staff, and visitors
Track record of success in collective bargaining and unionized workforces
Track record of success in policy and procedure development and implementation
Track record of success in partnership with health and human services agencies, including Allegheny County DHS, to advance integrated, whole-person care for residents

Nice To Haves

Additional experience may be considered a substitution for education
Advanced degree a plus
Candidates are not required to have a lengthy corrections-specific career. Individuals with significant leadership and management experience from adjacent fields, including public defense, policy, or other human-services-oriented roles, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equivalent leadership experience from law (including public defense), policy, or human services roles is welcomed

Responsibilities

Broad responsibility for ACJ operations
Responsibility for residents within the jail
Responsibility for various programs administered by the jail (solely and in partnership with other organizations)
Responsibility for the performance of the staff of ACJ
Ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and laws
Working respectfully and successfully with community groups, oversight boards, and legal community
Committing to the success and professional development of staff
Committing to the well-being of jail residents
Valuing the lived experience of system-impacted individuals and committed to having their voices inform ACJ policies
Articulating systemic injustices that contribute to incarceration
Making decisions with the reality of systemic injustices in mind
Overseeing safety, security, and daily operations for a high-population facility or comparably complex public-sector organization
Developing and implementing organizational policy and procedure at scale
Managing large public budgets
Supporting staff, development, and accountability
Ensuring safety and security for residents, staff, and visitors
Managing collective bargaining and unionized workforces
Developing and implementing policy and procedure
Partnering with health and human services agencies, including Allegheny County DHS, to advance integrated, whole-person care for residents