Job Description
Department Secretary at South Dakota State Government summary:
The Department Secretary leads the South Dakota Department of Corrections, overseeing four divisions and ensuring alignment with statewide policies and strategic initiatives. The role involves executive leadership, legislative guidance, budget management, and fostering a safe, secure correctional environment focused on rehabilitation and reentry. The position requires strong corrections expertise, strategic planning, and the ability to manage complex agency operations while coordinating between government entities.
Job ID: 33107
Agency: Department of Corrections
Location: Pierre, South Dakota
Salary: $165,000 to $190,000 annually --- based on experience
Pay Grade: Z
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Please visit our website at for further information about the Department of Corrections.
The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: .
The State of South Dakota is seeking dynamic, strategic-thinking candidates for the Department of Corrections Cabinet Secretary position. The Department of Corrections is comprised of 4 unique divisions and employs over 900 dedicated employees who serve the citizens of South Dakota.
This position reports to the governor and will lead the South Dakota Department of Corrections by analyzing, developing, and implementing statewide policy initiatives that promote safe and efficient agency operations.
Areas of oversight - Leadership and Team Management: provide servant leadership, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Successful incumbent will provide executive level oversight and leadership to all agency personnel.
- Ensure operations follow the mission to provide safe and secure facilities for staff and offenders through modern correctional practices and facilitate opportunities for positive, permanent change and successful reentry and supervision in communities through evidence-based assessments and programming.
- Legislative and Policy: guide the legislative processes through testimony, lobbying, and education. Advise the Governor and provide accurate information and reasoned opinions regarding the areas of oversight and the statutes, rules, and policies that impact them.
Key Responsibilities - The incumbent will lead all divisions, which include: Prisons, Inmate Services, Parole Services, and Juvenile Services.
- Guides all DOC Division Directors, Deputy Directors, and the Deputy Secretary in developing policies and procedures that adhere to the department's strategic plan, drive strategic initiatives, ensure coordination between divisions relating to policy and procedure development, and drive change in the agency.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: - strong corrections background, effective leadership skills, and the ability to ensure efficient and effective agency operations;
- strong understanding of all aspects of corrections and industry best practices;
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets effectively;
- proven experience building and strengthening cohesive teams.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - knowledge of correctional principles and operations;
- understanding of the legislative processes;
- must be a strong strategic planner;
- apply knowledge of best practices to identify opportunities for agency improvement;
- manage complex budget processes and strategic budget planning;
- manage and delegate multiple complex projects at an executive level ensuring projects are completed, reported accurately and timely;
- lead and motivate managers and directors to achieve tactical and strategic goals;
- knowledge and understanding of public policy and government leadership;
- work with and coordinate between the agency and different governmental structures to meet goals and objectives;
- ability to implement and improve operations through effective leadership and the use of performance measures;
- communicate effectively.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: Email:
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite
Keywords:
corrections leadership, policy development, budget management, public safety, legislative liaison, strategic planning, agency operations, staff management, rehabilitation programs, government administration
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Work at office, Visa sponsorship, Work visa,