Executive Director

North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services (NIJDS) / North Iowa Regional Services (NIRS)

Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with on-call evenings and weekends
Travel: Occasional, within Iowa
Salary Range: $165,000

About North Iowa Regional Services

North Iowa Regional Services (NIRS) has provided juvenile detention and behavioral health services in Iowa since 1989. NIRS is a multi-county public agency serving 15 counties and providing juvenile detention, crisis care, and related services for youth and adults.

Its programs include:

• Juvenile Detention Services: A 15-bed secure facility for youth awaiting court action.

• Adult Crisis Stabilization Center: A 16-bed program providing immediate support and care for adults aged 18 and older experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Brownstone Youth Services: A 10-bed youth crisis program providing shelter, support, and care for youth ages 8–17.

• Access: Immediate assessment and support for adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Transport and Monitoring: Secure and nonsecure transportation and electronic GPS monitoring.

NIRS operates two facilities in Waterloo, located on West Dunkerton Road and Logan Avenue.

About the Position

The Board of Directors is seeking an experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as Executive Director. The Executive Director provides overall leadership and administrative oversight for all NIRS programs, including operations, personnel, finances, policy, facilities, and regulatory compliance.

The Executive Director reports directly to the multi-county Board and serves as the agency’s primary representative to member counties, courts, regulatory agencies, funding partners, and community organizations.

The successful candidate will be an effective leader who can manage a complex public agency, support employees, maintain strong working relationships, oversee financial and regulatory responsibilities, and guide the agency’s continued development.

The complete job description can be found at:

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Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following education and experience requirements:

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, behavioral science, public administration, criminal justice, human services, or a closely related field, plus at least two years of relevant experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related behavioral science field, plus at least four years of relevant experience.

• Associate degree in social work, psychology, or a related behavioral science field, plus at least six years of relevant experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus at least eight years of relevant experience.

Relevant experience means supervised, full-time work in juvenile detention, juvenile shelter care, foster group care, crisis services, behavioral or mental health, residential services, or a closely related human services setting.

All applicants must also have:

• At least five years of supervisory experience involving program administrative oversight, including staff evaluation, performance accountability, and program coordination.

• The qualifications required under 441 IAC 105.21(1), including eligibility to authorize mechanical restraints, with work experience in a juvenile shelter care, detention, or foster group care facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a public agency or regulated organization, including responsibility for budgets, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Residency Requirement: The Executive Director must reside within 45 miles of the main office at 1440 W. Dunkerton Rd. in Waterloo, Iowa, to support timely response to emergencies and critical incidents.

• Availability to be on call evenings and weekends, respond within established timeframes, and report to the facility as needed to support 24/7 operations.

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds and perform approved physical interventions, including physical holds.

• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for agency insurance coverage.

• Successful completion of criminal history and child and dependent adult abuse background checks.

• Successful completion of a post-offer physical examination and TB test, with recurring physical examinations and TB screening as required by state licensing standards and agency policy.

• Iowa mandatory reporter certification for child and dependent adult abuse, or the ability to obtain certification before starting employment.

• Medication manager certification or completion of an approved course within six months of hire.

This is a safety-sensitive, at-will position.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: 165,000, depending on qualifications.

• Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Short-term disability insurance

• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)

• Vacation, sick, and casual leave

How to Apply

• To apply for the Executive Director position, applicants must submit the following:

  • A completed employment application.

  • A cover letter

  • A current resume

  • Professional references

• The employment application is available online at www.nirservices.com. 

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• Email the completed application packet, including all required documents, to Corinne Johnson at c.johnson@nirservices.com.

• For questions about the position or application process, contact Corinne Johnson at c.johnson@nirservices.com or call 319-433-9009.

• Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact Corinne Johnson at c.johnson@nirservices.com or 319-433-9009.

• All required application materials must be submitted for an application to be considered complete.

 

Application deadline: 11/20/2026 — or — Open until filled.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services / North Iowa Regional Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. The agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.