RESTART Program Director
Date Posted: Sep 9, 2026
Requisition ID: 483756
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD):
Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana's employment future. If managed properly, Indiana's workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country's economic growth.
Role Overview:
The RESTART Program Director oversees statewide coordination of employment-focused reentry services for justice-involved adults. This role serves as the program's subject matter expert, guiding Local Workforce Development Boards, corrections partners, and employers to ensure consistent, compliant, and high-quality service delivery. The director leads statewide implementation, supports performance outcomes, enhances integration between workforce and corrections systems, and drives process improvements that strengthen participant engagement, training access, and employment success. This position also provides technical assistance, supports data-driven decision-making, and maintains strong partnerships to advance the program's mission across Indiana.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.
Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.
Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances.
Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Coordinator and deliver communication plans and communications.
Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.
Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education.
Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Working knowledge of accounting and budget principles.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
A degree is not required. However, at least 7+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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