Policy Initiatives Director

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

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial vacation time

Excellent health/dental/vision/life

Generous pension plan

457 retirement plan

Well Wisconsin program

Employee Assistance Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

State of Wisconsin, Department of Corrections, is seeking a senior executive to direct and monitor staff across the division to develop major policy initiatives and join the division’s executive leadership team.

You will guide state-wide reforms and performance-based assessments while aligning with secretarial and policy staff, ensuring operational and financial considerations are integrated into initiatives.

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

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor staff to develop major policy initiatives.
• Advise on division-wide activities to achieve goals.
• Ensure performance-based measurement and assessment of programs and initiatives with consideration of operational and financial impacts.

Skills

Policy development

Change management

Data analysis

Cross-divisional coordination

Executive presentations

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

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.

To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

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

Contact

Questions can be directed to Jordan Hampton at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Aff ... We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Veteran Program

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.

Deadline to Apply

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

Additional Resources

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