Sheriff's Jail Administrator

Hennepin County’s Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is seeking a highly motivated, charismatic, and professional Sheriff's Jail Administrator to lead and elevate our detention facility operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings innovative ideas to the table, and excels at building strong relationships across teams. You will play a critical role in ensuring organizational efficiency, supporting leadership, and driving continuous improvement while upholding the highest standard of integrity and ethical conduct.

The HCSO operates the largest pre-trial detention facility in the state of Minnesota. Each year, HCSO books approximately 26,000 detainees with an average daily population of approximately 800. The Adult Detention division maintains the highest standards of detainee custody and care and is committed to operating a modern jail that prioritizes safety, human dignity, and rehabilitation.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a$500referral bonus. For more information visitemployee referral program.

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Location and hours:
This position is located in downtown Minneapolis at 350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Primary work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional evenings, holidays and/or weekends. This position is subject to emergency call-back 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About the position type:
This is a full-time benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as a Department Administrator, Senior.
Clickhere to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Plan, assign, review and evaluate the selection, training and work of personnel assigned to the Detention Services Bureau.
• Provide oversight of the Central Records Unit, ensuring accurate booking, warrant processing, court coordination, records management, and compliance with all legal requirements for inmate custody and release.
• Collaborate with the on-site medical provider on annual budget development, contract oversight, and the delivery of timely, compliant, and cost-effective inmate healthcare services.
• Coordinate with the Facility Maintenance Manager on routine upkeep, preventative maintenance, and timely resolution of facility-related issues to ensure a safe, secure, and operational environment.
• Assist in developing the annual Detention Services Bureau budget and provide continuous oversight for budget compliance.
• Review and approve employee performance evaluations, timecards, and other documents requiring senior level administrative approval.
• Confer with the Sheriff and Chief Deputy regularly regarding development and interpretation of office-wide and jail specific policies, practices, legislation and procedures.
• Provide effective communication and direction to Sheriff’s Office staff, contracted vendors, and volunteers to ensure the proper establishment and integration of programs and functions that support strategic services within the jail, Sheriff’s Office, and County.
• Actively participate in planning, evaluation, and measurement of services in order to develop proposals for strategic and/or emergent change.
• Provide oversight and/or lead procurement processes to include active participation in proposed agreements/contracts, vendor selection, and contractual compliance.
• Ensure the optimum use of financial and human resources for the success of the facility.
• Ensure preparation and maintenance of reports and required records of the Detention Services Bureau.
• Compose correspondence and represent the Sheriff's Office in public relations matters related to the jail facility.
• Ensure that jail operations support evidence-based rehabilitation practices, including treatment-focused approaches to mental health and substance use disorders.
• Support a facility culture centered on dignity, safety, and effective rehabilitation, ensuring that programs are trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and aimed at reducing recidivism.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Ten years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration or other field appropriate to the position and six years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Managing and operating a jail facility or similar type of facility.
  • Leading operational or programmatic reforms aimed at improving outcomes for individuals in custody.
  • Leading or supporting evidence-based rehabilitation initiatives within a correctional or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of:
  • The Medicaid 1115 waiver demonstration.
  • Correctional practices and standards.
  • State and federal laws and regulations that govern a jail facility.
  • Principals, practices, and procedures of modern jail management that apply to the operations of the HCSO.
  • Integrated behavioral health systems, reentry-focused service models, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Ability to:
  • Analyze and interpret jail facility problems and provide effective courses of action.
  • Establish effective relationships with others and provide leadership.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to treatment-focused management of substance use disorders.

About the department:
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office serves the county's 1.2 million residents. State law mandates most of the sheriff's office duties, including managing the county jail, providing security to the district court, and patrolling the waterways in the county.

The Sheriff's Office also runs specialized initiatives like Criminal Information Sharing and Analysis (CISA), Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF), Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Investigation, Community Outreach and Employee Wellness. The mission of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is: Providing quality professional services while building meaningful relationships that are sustainable within our communities, and with our partners, to ensure justice and safety for all.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Learn more atThe Bridge.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow.

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Taylor Dahlberg
taylor.dahlberg@hennepin.us