Policy Initiatives Director

Wisconsin Department of Corrections; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Health insurance

Pension plan

457 plan

Well Wisconsin Program

Employee Assistance Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Wisconsin Department of Corrections in Madison is seeking a senior leader to direct and monitor cross-divisional staff, guiding major policy initiatives toward operational excellence. You will collaborate with DAI leadership, the Secretary’s Office, and policy makers to advise on programs with attention to performance-based measures and budget impact.

The role offers a competitive executive pay band (81-02) starting at $68,723 to $113,318 plus benefits, with a two-year career executive trial

Qualifications

• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and processes.
• Evaluating projects/initiatives/programs and implementing change/improvements
• Conducting research and data analysis to identify and create initiatives aligning with strategic goals
• Coordinating with, and/or working on, various workgroups and/or project teams
• Developing strategic communications involving new program initiatives.
• Leading cross-divisional and/or cross-agency workgroups or project teams.
• Providing executive level presentations and briefings

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor staff across the division to develop major policy initiatives.
• Advise leadership and guide activities to achieve goals with performance-based measurement and assessment.

Skills

Policy development

Project evaluation

Data analysis

Cross-group coordination

Strategic communications

Executive presentations

Job description

Position Summary

This position has the authority to direct and monitor the work of staff across the division to develop major policy initiatives and is a member of the division’s executive leadership team. Examples of major initiatives include corrections reform, normative practices, continuous improvement reviews, as this position will be responsible to move division-wide efforts towards achieving operational excellence. This position works closely with DAI leadership and key policy makers to include the Secretary’s Office, division administrators, policy and budget staff, and communications staff as needed to advise on and guide activities to achieve goals. This position seeks to ensure performance-based measurement and assessment of programs and initiatives with consideration of the operational and financial impacts on the division and department.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 81-02 with a starting annual pay of $68723 to $113318, plus excellent benefits. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A two year career executive trial period is required.

Benefits

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.


• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.


• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.


• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.


• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.


• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.


• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

This position is eligible for remote work up to 3 days per week.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:45am- 4:30pm

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have experience:

• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and processes;


• Evaluating projects/initiatives/programs and implementing change/improvements


• Conducting research and data analysis to identify and create initiatives aligning with strategic goals


• Coordinating with, and/or working on, various workgroups and/or project teams

In addition to the above, well qualified applicant will have experience:

• Developing strategic communications involving new program initiatives.


• Leading cross-divisional and/or cross-agency workgroups or project teams.


• Providing executive level presentations and briefings

Employer Equality and Diversity

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Application Deadline

Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Sunday November 2, 2026.

Further Information

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