Director of Human Services

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Illinois; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Winnebago County is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Human Services. This role oversees a department of more than 350 dedicated professionals delivering essential services that impact the health, safety, and well-being of the community.

This role requires a Master’s degree or higher in a Human Services related field, with ten years of progressively responsible supervisory and related experience including five years at an upper

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a Human Services related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible supervisory and related experience including five years of prior experience at an upper management level in human services.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and management, program development and management, Wisconsin DHS administrative codes related to services, and governmental operations.
• Strong understanding of public sector service delivery and regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a department of 350+ professionals delivering essential services.
• Administer mandated services while advancing innovative strategies.
• Address homelessness, behavioral health needs, public safety diversion efforts, and community well-being.
• Guide budget planning and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Customer service

Solutions-oriented mindset

Translate complex concepts

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree or higher in Human Services related field

Job description

Job Description

Winnebago County is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Human Services. This is a rare opportunity to lead a department of more than 350 dedicated professionals delivering essential services that impact the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

Application Deadline: 2026-09-25

Job Type: County

This role requires a dynamic leader who can effectively administer mandated services while also advancing innovative strategies to address complex, non-mandated challenges such as homelessness, behavioral health needs, public safety diversion efforts, and community well-being.

Education: Master's degree or higher in a Human Services related field.

Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible supervisory and related experience including five years of prior experience at an upper management level in human services.

Knowledge: Budget preparation and management, effective program development and management, Wisconsin DHS administrative codes related to services, and governmental operations. Strong understanding of public sector service delivery and regulatory environments.

Skillset: A dynamic leader, committed to collaboration and customer service, having a solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance.