Loudoun County, Virginia seeks an experienced, steady, and mission-driven leader to serve as Superintendent for Residential Services within the Youth Services Department. This role leads 24/7 residential operations for court-involved youth while advancing safety, compliance, program quality, workforce performance, and second-chance opportunities.
The Opportunity
The Superintendent provides strategic and operational leadership for residential programs in Leesburg, Virginia. Reporting to the Department Director or an assigned Assistant Director, this leader oversees the Juvenile Detention Center and RISE Youth Shelter and ensures safe, secure, developmentally appropriate services.
The role is responsible for program delivery, regulatory compliance, budget and contract management, shift management, facility safety, policy implementation, audit readiness, and continuous improvement. The Superintendent maintains consistent standards of practice, supports an accountable workplace culture, and exercises sound judgment in routine and crisis situations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead residential operations and ensure secure and nonsecure programs meet federal, state, and local requirements, including standards of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and judicial administration.
- Supervise, coach, and develop a 24/7 workforce; manage employee performance, maintain required training and certifications, and reinforce consistent expectations across shifts and program areas.
- Evaluate programs serving court-involved youth and advance evidence-informed, trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices tailored to individual needs.
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, documentation systems, safety protocols, quality assurance practices, and corrective actions that support regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
- Oversee budgets, contracts, purchasing, and other administrative functions with sound judgment, ethical stewardship, and attention to operational priorities.
- Use operational data, performance measures, documentation trends, and quality findings to identify risks, improve service delivery, and support informed decision-making.
- Build productive relationships with County leaders, the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, other County departments, peer jurisdictions, community partners, and agencies throughout the juvenile justice system.
- Respond effectively to emergencies, conflicts, and high-risk situations while maintaining a safe, professional, and accountable environment.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be an experienced juvenile justice or residential youth services leader with the operational discipline and judgment to manage a complex, highly regulated environment. The County seeks a leader who can interpret regulations, maintain sound documentation, translate requirements into practice, and support staff in meeting clear expectations.
Strong candidates will demonstrate executive presence, crisis-management capability, conflict-resolution skills, and a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness. Experience in a unionized environment is highly desirable.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills are critical. The Superintendent must communicate clearly with employees, County leadership, partner agencies, families, and community stakeholders while maintaining credibility, discretion, and accountability.
Minimum Qualifications
- Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a master's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Management, Human or Social Services, or a related field, with four years of progressively responsible operational and administrative oversight experience in a criminal justice, education, residential, or correctional setting, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory capacity.
- This is an essential personnel role requiring onsite availability beyond standard business hours when needed, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and the ability to work onsite during County-designated emergency or unscheduled leave events.
Certification, License, and Special Requirements
- Must pass a pre-employment background check, including credit, fingerprinting, criminal history, VCIN, Child Protective Services, DMV, physical, and drug screening.
- Valid driver's license and good driving record.
- Must hold or obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 90 days of hire.
- Bilingual Spanish skills are preferred.
Youth Services Department
Loudoun County's Youth Services Department has an FY 2027 adopted budget of $10.2 million and 68 full-time equivalent positions, with slightly more than 50 assigned to Residential Services. The department includes Administrative Services, Prevention and Engagement Services, and Residential Services.
Administrative Services manages business functions and County procedures. Prevention and Engagement Services help youth and families reduce justice-system involvement through referrals, diversion, prevention, education, and community service. Residential Services provides safe out-of-home placements for court-involved youth through the Juvenile Detention Center and RISE Youth Shelter.
About Loudoun County
Loudoun County Government is a high-performing public organization known for teamwork, community, innovation, cross-functional partnerships, data-informed decision-making, and responsive public service.
Located in Northern Virginia about 45 minutes northwest of Washington, D.C., Loudoun County offers suburban amenities, rural landscapes, economic vitality, strong schools, and exceptional quality of life. The County has more than 455,000 residents and approximately 5,300 full-time equivalent employees.
Compensation and Benefits
Loudoun County has a full salary range of $99,351.41 - $178,832.52 annually for this position with a midpoint of $139,091.96. The salary offer is dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Additionally, the County offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package. Relocation expenses may be covered up to $6,000. To learn more about benefits offered, visit: Loudoun County Employee Benefits.
How to Apply
The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will occur on September 4, 2026. Qualified candidates should apply with a resume and cover letter at www.GovHRjobs.com.
For additional information, please contact Yolanda Howze, MGT Director of Executive Recruitment, at 224-245-5630, or Rodney Crain, MGT Senior Consultant, at 847-380-3240, ext. 154.
Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
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