Department Director

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 92,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan options

Paid leave

Job summary

The State of Indiana, Department of Child Services, is seeking an experienced Department Head to oversee the IV-D program components, including the Kidsline and Field Consultant divisions. Lead strategic initiatives, ensure strong partnerships with county partners, and guide day-to-day operations to protect children and strengthen families.

Expected salary starts at $102,024 and may be commensurate with education and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of IV-D program experience.
• Strong leadership and people-management abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and support the Kidsline team serving noncustodial parents with child support inquiries.
• Lead Field Consultants as primary liaisons with County Prosecutors and County Clerks.
• Partner with other department heads to drive program effectiveness and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Relationship building

Job description

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About The Department Of Child Services Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions! The Department Of Child Services Helps Children Who Are Victims Of Abuse Or Neglect And Strengthens Families Through Services That Focus On Family Support And Preservation. We Pursue Permanency For Children And Families Through Reunification, Guardianship, And Adoption. Our Services Also Encompass Foster Care, Child Support, And Transitional Support For Those Adjusting To Adulthood. Our Culture Is Built Upon Our MVP Foundation

Mission : Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.

Vision : Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.

Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview The Indiana Child Support Bureau is seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking Department Head to oversee two essential components of the Indiana IV-D Program:

• The Kidsline Division, which provides customer service and support to parents and guardians with IV-D child support cases.
• The Field Consultant Division, which strengthens and maintains collaborative working relationships with County Prosecutors and County Clerks.

Salary The salary for this position traditionally starts at $102,024.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day In The Life

Key Responsibilities for this role are:

• Direct and support the Kidsline team that is responsible for assisting noncustodial parents with child support inquiries.
• Lead and mentor Field Consultants who serve as primary liaisons with County Prosecutors and County Clerks, helping strengthen communication, partnership, and problem-solving across all Indiana counties.

Leadership & Oversight

• Direct and support the Kidsline team that is responsible for assisting noncustodial parents with child support inquiries.
• Lead and mentor Field Consultants who serve as primary liaisons with County Prosecutors and County Clerks, helping strengthen communication, partnership, and problem-solving across all Indiana counties.

Strategic Decision-Making

• Exercise sound judgment on decisions that impact the statewide IV-D Program.
• Maintain a broad, strategic perspective to ensure alignment with bureau goals and long-term program priorities.
• Know when to delegate tasks and when to escalat...e issues appropriately.

Child Support Expertise

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of child support policy, operations, and federal/state IV-D requirements.
• Provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent and accurate program information.
• Work with IV-D staff to resolve parent and guardian questions and concerns.

Collaboration & Representation

• Work closely with other Department Heads across operations, administration, and program development to drive program effectiveness and innovation.
• Represent the Indiana IV-D Program at major conferences, stakeholder meetings, and statewide initiatives.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with county partners, supporting mutual goals for improving child support outcomes.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Required

What You’ll Need for Success:

• A minimum of 5 years of IV-D program experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience, ideally within child support, human services, government programs, or related fields.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience supervising teams and fostering professional development.
• Ability to represent the program with professionalism and clarity in public forums.
• Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.
• Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key public and private government and business leaders.
• Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A Degree Is Not Required.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .