Director, Offender Services

OUR ORGANIZATION:  

Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. 

Our team is comprised of competent and caring resource professionals who are innovative, resourceful, collaborative, and helpful in facilitating the reentry process for the Offender Success Program of Kinexus Group.  This responsibility requires that we be service oriented relative to the needs of all referred participants, while still assuring that all services adhere to Michigan Department of Corrections policies and procedures, financial requirements as established through the State funding source.

We lead by example by holding true to a high standard of excellence that drives positive Offender Success outcomes for successful reentry for returning citizens. The Department strives to be exemplary in all activities and to continuously exceed expectations.

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES: 

This position involves building and coordinating relationships with a broad array of community stakeholders throughout the counties of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Saint Joseph, Branch and Calhoun in order to foster a safety net of support and re-employment services for individuals returning to the region from multiple correctional institutions. The Director of Offender Services will have oversight of an array of reentry funding streams, all targeted to serve as many returning citizens in our communities as possible. Additionally, collaborating with Kinexus Group to source and apply for grant funding will be a key function for continued growth and health of the department.

Major responsibilities include but are not limited to: managing multiple reentry grants serving a multitude of different reentry populations, sourcing and applying for funding in alignment with community needs and department growth, performance oversight of all funded projects, building sub-grantees capacity to administer the multiple reentry programs; analyzing and negotiating contracts; monitoring performance of vendors and contractors; resolving service delivery problems; acting as primary liaison to funders, developing and monitoring budgets along with the Kinexus Group Finance Department as needed; and coordinating activities to ensure improved employment outcomes and reduced recidivism rates for returning citizens, through a full menu of related services delivered by community based organizations as well as by private industry contractors.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

The Director of Offender Services is a key player within the Offender Success Team. With that said they will be given the tools and support needed to carry out and execute all the functions for the position to the best of their ability.

• Strategic oversight for the Offender Services Department and staff, including new project development, geographic expansion, meeting funder expectations, staff training, goal and performance setting, corrective action when addressing problems with work quality and all staff related concerns                              
• Responsible for Michigan Department of Corrections, Department of Justice, Department of Labor agreements for performance and compliance management
• Identifies available grant funding to serve additional justice involved individuals, and work with key Kinexus Group team to assist in project creation, completing and submitting grant proposals as determined appropriate within the federal, state, local and private foundation sectors
• Identifies community assets that can improve reentry success, as well as gaps in current community services for all reentry populations
• Responsible for state stakeholder relations, and oversight of all grant governing structures, which includes potential advisory groups, boards, reentry committees etc. that assist in community reentry
• Maintenance of department budgets including resource allocation and management
• Enters and maintains performance and finance reports requiring grant specific system knowledge. Work closely Kinexus Group’s finance department, as well as the policy and compliance team members.
• Engages in community learning groups throughout the state on best practices, achievements, technical assistance and needs
• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, monitors and evaluates the services provided by contractors/vendors engaged in re-entry services
• Establishes and oversees the process for implementing all department reentry programs, including but not limited to, preparation of monthly reports and other applicable systems to ensure contract compliance, goals and objectives are met
• Participates in across Community Correction Advisory Boards across the region that oversee local corrections and reentry within service areas
• Contract creation, maintenance, and negotiation with all subcontractors for any grants held with the Offender Services department
• Creates and fosters partnerships with other government, nonprofit and private organizations to leverage their contributions for successful re-entry
• Recommends improvement to policies, systems, resources and services to support returning citizens to the community
• Management of all department procurement, working in tandem with Kinexus “Procurement and Contacts” department
• Assists with subcontractor recruitment for multiple projects
• Living our values (Bold, Inspirational, Inclusive, Entrepreneurial)
• Ensures the full integration within the larger Kinexus Group Team to reduce duplication of effort, streamline services, and maximize all resources in support of the right service at the right time
• Models the way for a common purpose and shared consciousness under our Team of Teams approach.
• Accountability to align with the mission, vision and values of Kinexus

MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Non-Profit Administration or related field
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Previous experience in grant administration

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Non-Profit Administration or related field
• Knowledge in reentry or corrections process
• Background in fostering key community partnerships for resource leveraging
• Contract and budget management
• Grant sourcing and writing 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Flexible & Open
• Competitive Salary & Benefits
• Opportunities for Growth

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:  

• A robust onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.    
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies.    
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.    
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers.   
• Management Commitment to your success
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan. 

We have unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important. 

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and/or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.