Probation Director: Strategic Leader & Team Builder

County of Contra Costa; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County is seeking a strategic Probation Director to lead Probation Managers, oversee field services, administrative operations, and juvenile institutions, and drive policy development and staff training.

This senior leadership role requires strong communication, change management, and data-driven decision making; you will partner with county agencies and community stakeholders to improve safety and rehabilitation outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years full-time or its equivalent experience in probation, institution, corrections, or parole work, two (2) years of which must have included management duties equivalent to the classification of Probation Manager in Contra Costa County.
• One (1) year of graduate study may substitute for one year of the required experience; substitutions for education permitted as described.
• Desirable qualifications include experience leading probation operations and data-informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Providing leadership and oversight to Probation Managers and staff while supporting day-to-day operations and long-term strategic priorities.
• Planning, coordinating, and evaluating field services, administrative functions, training initiatives, institutional operations, or related department programs.
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring policies, procedures, and operational practices to support compliance, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Leading workforce development efforts, including training, professional development, succession planning, and staff performance management.
• Partnering with department leadership, county agencies, community stakeholders, and justice system partners to support collaborative outcomes.
• Overseeing projects, organizational initiatives, and operational improvements to strengthen service delivery and department performance.
• Utilizing data, performance measures, and continuous improvement strategies to inform decisions and improve organizational effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Professional integrity

Oral communication

Interpersonal savvy

Coaching & developing others

Project management

Thinking & acting systematically

Data-informed decision making

Collaboration across divisions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology or closely related field

Job description

Contra Costa County is seeking a strategic Probation Director to lead Probation Managers, oversee field services, administrative operations, and juvenile institutions, and drive policy development and staff training.

This senior leadership role requires strong communication, change management, and data-driven decision making; you will partner with county agencies and community stakeholders to improve safety and rehabilitation outcomes.