Criminal Justice Programs Director

Oregon Department of Human Services; Salem (VA); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Deferred compensation savings plans

Paid time off

Career development

Carpool and trip planner

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Oregon Criminal Justice Commission in Salem, Oregon seeks a Criminal Justice Programs Director to lead the Programs Division, directing personnel, projects, policies, and budget. You will oversee federal and state grant programs, shaping program direction and resource allocation to support statewide public safety initiatives.

The role requires strategic leadership, partnership building with public safety stakeholders, and deep knowledge of criminal justice policy and grant administration.

Qualifications

• Seven years of supervision or management experience; OR four years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and evaluate Programs Division personnel, projects, policies, and budget.
• Oversee administration of federal and state grant programs and the identification of program direction, scope, and resource requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Grant management

Policy knowledge

Public safety partnerships

Budget management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 10/06/2026 Application Deadline: 10/20/2026 Agency: Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Salary Range: $8,299 - $12,835 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Criminal Justice Programs Director Job Description: Criminal Justice Programs Director Salem, Oregon – Hybrid

The mission of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) is to improve the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Oregon’s state and local criminal justice systems by providing a centralized and impartial forum for statewide policy development and planning. The CJC supports their mission through a diverse range of activities including research, data analysis, grant administration, and collaborative policy leadership. This creates a unique atmosphere of 35 professionals working to advance a future in Oregon where every aspect of the criminal justice system is equitable, efficient, and worthy of confidence. McGilchrist House

What You’ll Do

As the Criminal Justice Programs Director, you will direct, manage, and evaluate Programs Division personnel, projects, policies, and budget, and oversee the administration of federal and state grant programs including the identification of program direction, scope, and resource requirements. You are a member of the agency Executive Team and oversee the Programs Division, whose work informs and supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of related law, policy, practice, and appropriation, and impacts Oregon’s entire public safety system including local criminal and juvenile legal systems, the Oregon Judicial Department, the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Oregon Youth Authority, and community-based partners.

Qualifications

Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related* experience; OR Four years of related* experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related* field. *Qualifying related experience and education: Degree focus of Criminal Justice, Legal, Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences or closely related fields and experience in criminal justice or juvenile justice sectors, or intersections between these systems and the behavioral health system.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Professional experience building relationships with internal and external public safety and community partners, with an emphasis on working cooperatively with parties that may have competing priorities and perspectives.
• Ability to apply research regarding effective interventions, as well as practical experience in criminal justice or juvenile justice sectors, or intersections between these systems and behavioral health systems, to improve criminal justice policy and practice through local and state level collaborative efforts;
• Professional-level knowledge in the principles of criminal law, sentencing policy, and criminal justice systems;
• Professional-level knowledge of grant management principles, including process development and implementation, evaluation techniques, and compliance monitoring;
• Experience and knowledge of Oregon legislative process, public administration, and how to apply statutory and regulatory frameworks to the operations and compliance outcomes of an executive branch, public-facing agency;
• Demonstrated strong public relations skills; excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to understand varying needs and perspectives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family.
• Additional benefits include term life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
• Optional benefits including life insurance, disability, FSA, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: You may qualify for the PSLF program.
• Hybrid Work Opportunity: This position supports a hybrid work schedule. You can expect to work in the office 2-3 days per week. Additional days in the office, nights and weekends especially during legislative and grant selection processes is required. In state travel will be required based on program needs. Work arrangements are periodically reviewed to ensure business needs are met.

Additional Details

This announcement is for one, full-time, Permanent, Management Service- Supervisory, Criminal Justice Programs Director (Business Operations Manager 3) position and may be used to fill future vacancies. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

Eligibility

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time. Employee will be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides. Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Nancy Karnas at: [e-mail] | 971-719-3083.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Criminal Justice Commission core values. The agency strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”