Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility Superintendent

The Mission: To lead a team of dedicated professionals in providing a safe, secure, and habilitative environment where youth can transform their lives.

The Ideal Leader: We are looking for a visionary "change agent" who embodies commitment to excellence and high professional standards. The ideal candidate is a solution-driven leader with the interpersonal skills to build deep connection with staff and youth, the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and the judgment to lead through complex challenges.

Core Responsibilities

• Driving the Habilitative Mission
  
  

As the primary leader of IRJCF, you will oversee all security and programming operations. You will ensure that facility protocols—including Managing Youth Resistance (MYR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) models—are implemented effectively to balance facility safety with a focus on youth growth and correction.

• Building a Supportive Culture
  
  

You will prioritize being a visible and accessible leader. By "walking the facility" daily and maintaining open lines of communication with staff at all levels, you will build the trust and connection necessary to address concerns, mentor future leaders, and ensure every employee feels heard and valued.

• Strategic Resource Management
  
  

You will serve as the vital link between the facility and the DYS Central Office. Through active collaboration with the Director and Deputy Directors, you will manage the facility budget and procurement processes, ensuring that resources are strategically allocated to support both operational security and the agency’s long-term goals.

• Operational Excellence and Safety
  
  

Indian River is an ACA-accredited facility committed to industry best practices. You will lead the quality improvement processes, analyzing data and security trends to stay ahead of potential disturbances. You will ensure the facility remains in total compliance with state regulations, maintaining a safe environment for the public, staff, and youth.

• Empowering the Workforce
  
  

You will lead the facility's human resources efforts, ensuring a work environment defined by mutual respect and professional integrity. You will promote equal employment opportunities and ensure a workplace free from intimidation, fostering a culture where every staff member is committed to the mission and supported in their professional journey.

Why Lead at Indian River?

Indian River is a cornerstone of the Ohio Department of Youth Services. This role offers the opportunity to lead a team that has already demonstrated a commitment to excellence through recent ACA re-accreditation. As Superintendent, you will have the platform to innovate, lead, and directly impact the future of juvenile justice in Ohio

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic Leadership: A proven trackable record of leading teams through organizational change with professionalism and creativity.
• Exceptional Communication: The ability to foster collaboration among internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Solution-Focused: A resilient problem-solver who remains calm under pressure and drives positive outcomes for youth and staff.
• Mission-Driven: A deep dedication to public safety and the habilitative success of the young men in our care.
  
  

Completion of undergraduate core program in business or public administration or social science (e.g., social work, psychology, criminology); and 5 yrs. exp. in supervisory or management position (e.g., security, training & education, business) in juvenile correctional facility or adult correctional facility or juvenile/adult parole program or court/legal system; and 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in budgeting; and 1 yr. trg. or 1 yr. exp. in labor relations.

Or completion of graduate core program in business or public administration or social science (e.g., social work, psychology, criminology); and 4 yrs. exp. in supervisory or management position (e.g., security, training & education, business) in juvenile correctional facility or adult correctional facility or juvenile/adult parole program or court/legal system; and 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in budgeting; and 1 yr. trg. or 1 yr. exp. in labor relations.

Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Executive Leadership

Organization

Youth Services - Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility

Agency Contact Name and Information

Kelly.East@dys.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Apr 12, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

Indian River Juvenile Correctn

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Stark County-Massillon

Compensation

Negotiable based on education/experience

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Executive Leadership

Technical Skills

Corrections, Executive Leadership, Juvenile Corrections

Professional Skills

Decision Making, Leading Others, Confidentiality, Continuous Improvement

Agency Overview

JOIN OUR TEAM!

About Us…

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) is to improve Ohio's future by habilitating youth and empowering families and communities. We believe that all youth will be given an opportunity to live up to their greatest potential and staff are our greatest resource.

DYS is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio. DYS is statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders, ages 10-21, who have been adjudicated and committed by one of Ohio's 88 county juvenile courts. During their stay with DYS, youth are engaged in programming that is designed to address their criminological and behavioral needs. DYS reaches thousands of youth in facilities and those on parole.

Our Guiding Principles…

• Demonstrate staff are our greatest resource
• Treat everyone with respect
• Cultivate a trauma responsive environment for staff and youth to thrive
• Provide the best support and services for youth and families
• Advance our culture of inclusion through understanding and appreciating staff and youth differences
• Commit to and encourage collaboration and continuous improvement to produce better outcomes for those we serve
• Celebrate collective successes and support one another through opportunities to improve
  
  

To learn more about DYS, please visit our website by clicking here