Executive Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives

Overview

Job Description

Vermont Department of Corrections

Executive Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives (Exempt)

Waterbury, VT

Requisition #54375

 

Position Summary

The Department of Corrections is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly collaborative Executive Director for Policy and Strategic Initiatives to lead the Department’s policy agenda, strategic planning efforts, and high visibility initiatives that advance the agency’s mission. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping the Department’s public policy portfolio, guiding long-term strategic priorities, and ensuring that data, research, and communications are aligned to support effective and transparent operations.

The Executive Director oversees two critical functional areas totaling five supervisees:

• Research and Data Analytics Team (four staff)
• Communications Team (one staff)

In addition to internal leadership, the Executive Director serves as a primary liaison to the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Human Services, other Administration officials, legislative partners, advocacy organizations, and members of the public. The role requires exceptional judgment, political awareness, and the ability to translate complex operational issues into clear, actionable policy and communication strategies.

This position is essential to the Department’s success, ensuring that DOC’s internal work is effectively connected to external policy development, public engagement, and data driven decision making. The Executive Director plays a central role in strengthening the Department’s credibility, transparency, and public trust.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Policy Development
  • Advise the Commissioner and executive leadership team on policy matters, strategic initiatives, and emerging issues affecting the Department.
  • Lead the development, planning, and execution of strategic priorities that advance the Department’s mission and long-term goals.
  • Oversee the creation of policy proposals, briefing materials, and strategic plans for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Monitor state and national trends, legislation, and best practices to inform policy recommendations.
• Team Oversight & Organizational Management
  • Provide leadership, direction, and performance management for the Research and Data Analytics Team and Communications Team.
  • Ensure that research, data analysis, and public communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with departmental priorities.
  • Foster a collaborative, high performance culture that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Government & Stakeholder Relations
  • Serve as a primary liaison to the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Human Services, and other Administration officials.
  • Maintain strong, positive relationships with legislative partners, ensuring effective communication and responsiveness to information requests.
  • Engage with advocacy organizations, community stakeholders, reporters, and members of the public to support transparency and informed dialogue.
• Communications & Public Engagement
  • Enhance public perception of the Department through strategic communication, proactive engagement, and thoughtful program development.
  • Oversee the development of public messaging, media responses, and communication strategies that reflect the Department’s values and priorities.
  • Ensure that complex policy and operational issues are communicated clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

The Executive Director for Policy and Strategic Initiatives is a cornerstone leadership position within Central Office. The role ensures that:

• Internal operations are aligned with external policy expectations,
• Data and research inform decision-making, and
• The Department communicates clearly, consistently, and credibly with the public and government partners.

By bridging policy, data, and communications, the Executive Director strengthens the Department’s operational effectiveness and public trust, making this position essential to the agency’s success.

 

Salary: Salary is $92K-$120K and will be based on qualifications and experience.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience — including executive‑level responsibility — in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations. OR

Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of professional experience — including executive‑level responsibility — in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations. OR

Seven (7) years of professional experience — including executive‑level responsibility — in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

 

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, communications, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience in developing and promulgating policy.

Prior professional experience in communications or media.

Experience in legislative facilitation and/or lobbying.

 

Special Requirements:

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

For more information, contact Jenna Bessette at Jenna.Bessette@Vermont.gov

APPLY TODAY AT:  https://careers.vermont.gov/job/Waterbury-Executive-Director-for-Policy-&-Strategic-Initiatives-Exempt-VT-05677/1363292600/

Application deadline is 02/23/26.

Tagged as: #executivedirector, #policyandstrategy, research