Executive Director for Policy & Strategic Initiatives - Exempt Job Listing at State of Vermont in Waterbury, VT (Job ID 35692DF3-B26C-4)

Description

Overview

The Department of Corrections is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly collaborative Executive Director for Policy and Strategic Initiatives to lead the Department's policy agenda, strategic planning efforts, and high visibility initiatives that advance the agency's mission. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping the Department's public policy portfolio, guiding long-term strategic priorities, and ensuring that data, research, and communications are aligned to support effective and transparent operations.

The Executive Director oversees two critical functional areas totaling five supervisees:

• Research and Data Analytics Team (four staff)
• Communications Team (one staff)

In addition to internal leadership, the Executive Director serves as a primary liaison to the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Human Services, other Administration officials, legislative partners, advocacy organizations, and members of the public. The role requires exceptional judgment, political awareness, and the ability to translate complex operational issues into clear, actionable policy and communication strategies.

This position is essential to the Department's success, ensuring that DOC's internal work is effectively connected to external policy development, public engagement, and data driven decision making. The Executive Director plays a central role in strengthening the Department's credibility, transparency, and public trust.

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

• Advise the Commissioner and executive leadership team on policy matters, strategic initiatives, and emerging issues affecting the Department.
• Lead the development, planning, and execution of strategic priorities that advance the Department's mission and long-term goals.
• Oversee the creation of policy proposals, briefing materials, and strategic plans for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor state and national trends, legislation, and best practices to inform policy recommendations.

 

Team Oversight & Organizational Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and performance management for the Research and Data Analytics Team and Communications Team.
• Ensure that research, data analysis, and public communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with departmental priorities.
• Foster a collaborative, high performance culture that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as a primary liaison to the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Human Services, and other Administration officials.
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with legislative partners, ensuring effective communication and responsiveness to information requests.
• Engage with advocacy organizations, community stakeholders, reporters, and members of the public to support transparency and informed dialogue.

 

Communications & Public Engagement

• Enhance public perception of the Department through strategic communication, proactive engagement, and thoughtful program development.
• Oversee the development of public messaging, media responses, and communication strategies that reflect the Department's values and priorities.
• Ensure that complex policy and operational issues are communicated clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

 

The Executive Director for Policy and Strategic Initiatives is a cornerstone leadership position within Central Office. The role ensures that:

• Internal operations are aligned with external policy expectations,
• Data and research inform decision-making, and
• The Department communicates clearly, consistently, and credibly with the public and government partners.

 

By bridging policy, data, and communications, the Executive Director strengthens the Department's operational effectiveness and public trust, making this position essential to the agency's success.

Who May Apply

This position, Executive Director for Policy & Strategic Initiatives - Exempt (Job Requisition #54375), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jenna.Bessette@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Compensation

The anticipated approximate starting salary range from $90,000 to $120,000, annually.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree and three (3) years of professional experience — including executive level responsibility — in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

 

OR

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of professional experience — including executive level responsibility — in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

 

OR

Seven (7) years of professional experience — including executive level responsibility — in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in public administration, public policy, communications, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in developing and promulgating policy.
Prior professional experience in communications or media.
Experience in legislative facilitation and/or lobbying.

DOC PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Requirements

In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information.  Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.  By submitting this online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and complete.  The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating and verifying your work history.

 

Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.  You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here.  Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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