Director of Research and Innovation

County of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, CA

Director of Research and Innovation

Salary:  $137,499.47 - $167,115.70 Annually

Closing Date

11/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

The County of Sonoma Probation Department is seeking a community-oriented, resourceful leader to join the team as their Director of Research and Innovation.

As a member of Probation's executive management team, the Director of Research and Innovation consults with the Chief Probation Officer and other senior leaders regarding department policies, goals, and priorities. Once an understanding of department needs has been established, this position organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs department-wide strategic initiatives and performance outcomes. Beyond the direct needs of the department, the Director of Research and Innovation also partners with stakeholders to improve Probation service outcomes and eliminate service disparities. They will guide the work of employees working in the Division of Research and Innovation and employees on the Programming, Planning and Evaluation Team with responsibility for supervising several staff members and one direct report.

What You Bring

An exemplary candidate for this position will bring training and experience in scientific research, program evaluation, project management and health/human service program management, as well as experience in the use of qualitative data. They will represent the department with respect, dignity, and empathy, and further, will possess many of the following:

•   Training and/or experience in statistics and advanced data analysis, as well as using data to evaluate programs for fidelity and efficacy

•   Broad experience/knowledge of best practices/concepts related to community corrections, Community Supervision, Juvenile Institutions, and Court processes pertaining to justice involved individuals

•   An understanding of institutional and structural inequities and experience in interrupting and correcting them, and experience leading teams/committees with a framework of diversity/equity/inclusion

•   Participation in state or national organizations affiliated with community corrections/probation work

•   Experience successfully leading organizational change and creating/implementing programs

•   Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking, with the ability to adapt styles to various audiences

•   The ability to analyze and interpret new legislation in regards to agency operations

•   Problem solving, strategic thinking, and time management skills

•   An ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds and knowledge/experience in cultural competency

•   The capability to build consensus and influence leaders in following science and best practices

•   Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

•   Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment

•   Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range

•   Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year

•   Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities

•   County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options

•   Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits

•   Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security

•   Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution

•   Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment

•   Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Learn more and apply:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www. yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.