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Regional Jail Superintendent at Western Tidewater Regional Jail

Western Tidewater Regional Jail Suffolk, VA $27+/hour

Job Description

Regional Jail Superintendent

WESTERN TIDEWATER REGIONAL JAIL 2402 Godwin Boulevard, Suffolk, Virginia 23434 Telephone: Ext. 555 / 604 The Western Tidewater Regional Jail located in Suffolk, Virginia is in search of a qualified leader to serve as the Superintendent, responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and monitoring of jail operations which currently accommodates between 750 and 850 inmates and operates with an annual budget of $27 million. Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Administers, directs, and organizes all facility operations in accordance with the Code of Virginia, standards set by the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails, and established professional practices.
  • Achieves financial objectives by developing and overseeing the annual operating budget, providing financial statements and reports, planning expenditures, assessing variances, implementing corrective actions as necessary, and ensuring staff adherence to these standards.
  • Reviews, develops, updates, and enforces policies and procedures related to jail operations and support functions.
  • Offers strategic vision and effective leadership within a dynamic organization.
  • Assesses management and operational challenges and initiates actions for resolution.
  • Negotiates contracts on behalf of the Jail Authority for the acquisition of goods and services.
  • Develops and maintains a staffing plan that ensures an adequate number of security staff without incurring unnecessary costs.
  • Ensures a safe and secure environment by providing compliant training programs aimed at developing a staff that prioritizes safety at all times.
  • Ensures that all inmates receive appropriate medical services.
  • Engages in professional communication with the community, stakeholders, and media.
  • Maintains legal compliance by remaining well informed of current and new regulations, laws, court proceedings, and the workings of municipal, county, and state governmental organizations.
  • Enhances professional and technical knowledge by attending educational conferences, building industry networks, and participating in professional societies and organizations.
Requirements and Skills Needed:
  • A bachelor's degree in business, criminal justice, public administration or a related discipline from an accredited college or university or a combination of training and work experience.
  • Considerable experience in an administrative capacity in a large correctional setting.
  • Proficiency in preparing and overseeing an operating budget as well as forecasting revenue and capital expenditures.
  • Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and assess financial statements and legal documents.
  • Proven understanding of human resources, employment law, and generally accepted accounting principles.
  • In depth knowledge of the regulations set forth by the Board of Local and Regional Jails and the Commonwealth of Virginia Compensation Board.
  • Ability to foster professional relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public, while effectively communicating and drafting professional reports, correspondence, and legal documents.
  • Must currently possess or have the ability to obtain certification as a Certified Jail Manager.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and general accounting and jail management software.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable criminal background report.
Compensation and Benefits: The salary is negotiable and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. WTRJ provides a competitive benefits package that features membership in the Virginia Retirement System.

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$56k is below typical pay for Construction Managers nationally

National salary averages
$56k
↓ 48% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$65k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $177k

Senior roles pay 67% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

You may have room to negotiate or find better offers elsewhere.

Strong candidate leverage

High demand and responsive wages. Negotiate confidently on all fronts.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage
Moderate
Mobility
High mobility
Durability
Mostly durable

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: All experience levels, Remote-capable workers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

36% self-employed: Traditional full-time roles may be scarcer.

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Growth + pay upside

Both the field and your earnings can grow significantly.

+9%
10yr growth
36% work independently—freelance or consulting is viable.
A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
Typical: Bachelor's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024