Institutional Operations Administrator (Institutions): Central Administration - #01673

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks an Institutional Operations Administrator for the Virginia Department of Corrections. The role reports to the Deputy Director for Institutions and oversees statewide correctional operations, focusing on strategic oversight, performance evaluation, and policy execution.

Travel statewide is required; the position emphasizes leadership excellence, collaboration, and accountability to public safety objectives within the Central Administration.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of executive leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, policy development, and public safety administration.
• Ability to lead statewide strategic initiatives and evaluate operational performance.
• Proven skill in building relationships with executive leadership and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior executive within the Division of Institutions, guiding statewide correctional operations.
• Coordinate statewide initiatives and strategic projects in partnership with Regional Administrators and Wardens.
• Provide executive-level analysis, recommendations, and support to address complex operational challenges.
• Promote a People First culture and drive accountability across the Division.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Organizational management

Policy development

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in criminal justice or public administration

Job description

Title: Institutional Operations Administrator (Institutions): Central Administration - #01673

State Role Title: Prog Admin Manager III

Hiring Range: $107,559- $202,210

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

The Institutional Operations Administrator serves as a senior executive within the Division of Institutions, reporting directly to the Deputy Director for Institutions. This position offers an opportunity to shape statewide correctional operations through strategic oversight, sound decision-making, and a commitment to public safety. The role supports the safe, secure, effective, and accountable operation of the Department’s correctional facilities while advancing key agency priorities. In partnership with Regional Administrators, Wardens, and agency leadership, the Institutional Operations Administrator coordinates statewide initiatives, leads strategic projects, and supports the overall administration of the Division. As a trusted advisor to the Deputy Director for Institutions, this position provides strategic insight, recommendations, and executive-level support in addressing complex operational challenges.

The successful candidate will help strengthen operational consistency, foster collaboration across the Division, and advance policies, procedures, and organizational improvement initiatives. By evaluating institutional performance and identifying opportunities for improvement, this position helps enhance operational effectiveness, accountability, leadership capacity, and workforce excellence. A strong commitment to a People First culture—grounded in professionalism, integrity, respect, collaboration, and accountability is essential to success in this role.

This position plays a vital role in maintaining operational continuity and responding effectively to complex and emerging issues across the Department. The Institutional Operations Administrator exercises sound judgment and discretion and may represent or act on behalf of the Deputy Director for Institutions when designated and within the scope of delegated authority.

The position requires extensive statewide travel and availability to respond to significant institutional incidents, operational emergencies, and other critical matters as needed. This is an opportunity for a strategic, adaptable, and collaborative executive who is passionate about public service, operational excellence, and advancing the mission of the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Minimum Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of adult correctional operations, institutional administration, security practices, offender management, emergency preparedness, and public safety. Comprehensive knowledge of executive leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, human resource management, policy development, and evidence-based correctional practices.

Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level operational leadership; exercise independent judgment and delegated authority; manage complex institutional and organizational matters; lead statewide strategic initiatives; and evaluate operational performance to achieve measurable results. Ability to develop and implement policies, coordinate cross-functional efforts, manage competing priorities, and drive organizational improvement.

Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with executive leadership, Regional Administrators, Wardens, government officials, and internal and external stakeholders. Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to develop leaders, foster collaboration, promote accountability, and advance a People First culture.

Additional Considerations

Advanced knowledge in criminal justice, corrections, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership, or a related field. Significant senior-level leadership experience in correctional operations, institutional administration, or a comparable public safety organization, including experience equivalent to a Warden, Regional Administrator, or other executive-level position.

Demonstrated success leading complex operational initiatives, organizational change, institutional performance improvement, leadership development, and strategic projects across multiple organizational units. Experience with executive-level policy development, resource management, legislative or stakeholder engagement, and organizational accountability.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.