Policy Initiatives Director

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.

The position is responsible for collaborating with members of the leadership team to propose and advise on strategic goals and to provide primary structure in alignment with the agency's strategic initiatives. This position requires cross-divisional and cross-systems collaboration, including coordination with key policy makers within the division, state agencies, and other external stakeholders. This position functions as the principal policy advisor to the Administrator with substantial authority to develop and advise on the formulation and implementation of policies, processes, and programs to carry out strategic objectives. The Policy Initiatives Advisor works proactively with policy makers and subject matter experts on strategic policy initiatives through the stages of development, enactment/adoption, and/or implementation to strengthen divisional core capacities and enhance the work of the 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.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• 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.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.

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

Job Details

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

How To Apply

To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Your resume and letter of qualifications should detail your training and experience specifically related to the qualifications section listed in the job posting and are limited to a maximum of 2 pages each.

The Department of Corrections has created extra guidance to assist you in developing your resume and letter of qualifications, if interested please click here . Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.

Applicants who have Career Executive status in the Wisconsin classified state service , submit a current resume and letter of qualifications to Jordan.Hampton@wisconsin.gov and submit an application.

Questions can be directed to Jordan Hampton at Jordan.Hampton@wisconsin.gov

Deadline to Apply

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

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