Visionary Director for Prison Oversight

Philadelphia PA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Public transportation benefits

City employee benefits

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia seeks an Executive Director for Prison Oversight to lead the newly established Office of Prison Oversight. This role builds policy, sets the vision with the Prison Oversight Board, and directs independent reviews of the Department of Prisons across four facilities.

You will respond to sentinel events, issue public reports with findings and recommendations, and manage staff, data, and outreach to strengthen accountability and transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, public health, law, public administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree preferred (e.g., J.D., M.P.A., M.S.W.).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional leadership experience in criminal justice, civil rights, public health, or related fields, with significant oversight or reform experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership, establishing strategic goals and objectives aligned with the Office’s mission and the City’s priorities.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and training of staff for the Office of Prison Oversight.
• Manage the Office’s annual budget (approximately $1.4 million for FY26).
• Develop and maintain relationships with the Prison Oversight Board, Department of Prisons, Office of the Mayor, and City Council.
• Represent the Office at public meetings, forums, and conferences.
• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections of Philadelphia’s correctional facilities and interview incarcerated individuals.
• Respond to sentinel events, including investigating every death in custody.
• Oversee the review of prison data, inmate grievances, and follow-up investigations.
• Review and evaluate regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department of Prisons.
• Identify systemic issues and provide recommendations.

Skills

Oversight leadership

Public speaking

Policy development

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field

Advanced degree preferred (J.D., M.P.A., M.S.W.)

Job description

The City of Philadelphia seeks an Executive Director for Prison Oversight to lead the newly established Office of Prison Oversight. This role builds policy, sets the vision with the Prison Oversight Board, and directs independent reviews of the Department of Prisons across four facilities.

You will respond to sentinel events, issue public reports with findings and recommendations, and manage staff, data, and outreach to strengthen accountability and transparency.