Director of Secure Treatment Services

State of New Hampshire, Department of Health & Human Services

Sununu Youth Services Center – Manchester, NH

Director of Secure Treatment Services

Salary Range: $97,057 – $135,272 (plus full State of NH total compensation package)

Are you a visionary leader driven by purpose, equity, and the opportunity to transform the lives of young people? The Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC) is seeking a dynamic Director of Secure Treatment Services to guide New Hampshire’s only secure therapeutic treatment facility for court‑involved youth. This is a rare chance to influence statewide practice, shape the future of trauma‑informed care, and lead dedicated teams who are committed to creating safer, healthier pathways for young people and their families.

Why This Role Matters

SYSC serves as a critical pillar in New Hampshire’s system of care, supporting adolescents with complex behavioral health needs through a secure, trauma‑informed, and therapeutic residential environment. As Director, you will lead the strategic vision, operational excellence, and cultural transformation of a facility that profoundly impacts youth outcomes—not just today, but for generations.

Your leadership will ensure that every young person receives evidence‑based care, every staff member feels supported and empowered, and every program reflects the highest standards of safety, compassion, and accountability.

What You’ll Lead

In this highly influential role, you will:

• Shape and drive a unified trauma‑informed treatment philosophy that blends clinical best practices with secure‑care requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of SYSC operations, including programmatic planning, staffing, fiscal management, facility oversight, regulatory compliance (including PREA and RSA 126‑U), and data‑driven performance improvement.
• Build and sustain a safe, therapeutic environment that fosters healing, supports educational and vocational growth, and reduces recidivism.
• Champion staff development and cultivate a culture rooted in safety, transparency, accountability, mutual respect, and continuous learning.
• Lead and mentor a high‑performing administrative team, strengthening collaboration, innovation, and quality throughout the organization.
• Partner with policymakers, courts, external oversight bodies, community organizations, contracted clinical providers, and DHHS leadership to ensure coordinated, effective services.
• Represent SYSC and its mission through written and verbal testimony, stakeholder engagement, legislative communication, public presentations, and collaborative problem‑solving.
• Guide the strategic and operational planning that will advance SYSC’s evolution, including planning for new facility design aligned with trauma‑informed, therapeutic standards.

Your Background

Your unique combination of leadership experience, compassion, clinical or human‑services insight, and operational expertise will set the tone for SYSC’s transformation.

Required Education & Experience (two pathways):

Option 1

• Master’s degree in business administration, criminal justice, social work, psychology, sociology, or related field.
• Eight years of progressive executive‑level leadership in youth residential programs, trauma‑informed care, human services, or public‑sector programs serving youth with behavioral health needs and court involvement.
• At least four years must include management‑level responsibilities.
• Experience building staff culture, improving youth outcomes, resolving conflict, strengthening safety, and collaborating with unions and external stakeholders.

Option 2

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Ten years of progressive executive‑level leadership meeting the criteria above, including four years in management.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and statewide travel capability.
• Training in adolescent development and behavioral health is highly recommended.

What You Bring

• A passion for improving the lives of system‑involved youth
• A collaborative leadership style that inspires trust
• A commitment to trauma‑informed values
• Strong communication and conflict‑resolution skills
• Confidence navigating complex operational, regulatory, and fiscal responsibilities
• Ability to motivate diverse teams and drive culture change

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to lead meaningful, systemic change. You will join a mission‑driven state agency, work alongside dedicated colleagues across the Division for Children, Youth & Families, and directly influence the future of New Hampshire’s youth services system.

You will also enjoy the competitive State of NH total compensation package, including health benefits, retirement, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.