Governor’s Clemency Director

Make an impact at the Highest Level of State Government. The Office of the Governor is seeking a dedicated and strategic professional to serve as the Director of the Governor's Clemency Office- a unique and high-impact role leading critical functions related to executive clemency, criminal justice reform, and public engagement. The Director serves as the primary liaison between the Governor's Office, the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, the NC Department of Adult Correction, and other state, federal and local officials in connection with the execution of the Governor's executive clemency power. If you're driven by justice, process integrity, and intergovernmental collaboration, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to serve the people of North Carolina at the intersection of law, policy, and public service.

As the Director of the Governor’s Clemency Office, you will:

• Oversee all aspects of executive clemency, including commutations and pardons, and judicial review cases, per N.C. General Statute 15A-1380.5

• Manage Clemency Office employees.

• Advise the Governor and/or the Governor’s general counsel in connection with anticipated executive clemency cases and provide for the orderly resolution of same.

• Develop and carry out strategic plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Clemency Office.

• Serve as the central liaison for the Governor’s Office to other entities, including, but not limited to the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, the Department of Adult Correction, incarcerated people, victims’ families, and other state, federal, and local officials.

• Manage the Governor’s Rewards Program for unsolved crimes across all 100 counties.

Join us! Apply Now! - Your work will directly impact the lives of individuals, families, and communities across North Carolina. This role is not only a rare opportunity to shape executive decisions- it's also a calling to uphold fairness, transparency and hope in the justice system.

NOTE: This position is Exempt Policymaking and is EXEMPT from certain provisions of the State Human Resources Act (GS126).

Salary

• $67,996 - $132,593/year

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Effective July 1, 2025, candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed from the class specification. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed within this vacancy announcement will be used only as management preferences and will be used to screen for the most qualified pool of applicants.

• "Program Experience" means experience in administrative, managerial, and organizational theory and policies and procedures governing the executive clemency process or criminal justice/criminal law practice, legal policy, or proceedings.
• Experience advising senior officials on difficult policy and/or legal issues and maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholder groups, including elected officials and the general public.
• Ability to analyze facts, formulate opinions on cases involving incarcerated people, prepare release plans that provide the best opportunity for a successful reentry, and communicate effectively regarding the same.
• General knowledge of social agencies and other community resources concerned with the rehabilitation of formerly incarcerated people.
• Ability to select, train, and supervise employees.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

NOTE: Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of experience in the program area of assignment, including two years of supervisory program experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

How to Apply

About Us:

DAC is the largest state agency with more than 26,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving the lives and property of its citizens through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced after conviction for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes State Prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as the division of Community Supervision. Other divisions include Administration, Compliance & Accreditation, Comprehensive Health Services, Internal Affairs & Intelligence Operations, Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission, and Rehabilitation & Reentry. We have a mission that matters!

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.

DAC uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive information. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas to include the beginning and ending dates of jobs worked, education with the date graduated, all work experience, and certificates / licenses. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Answers to Supplemental Questions must refer to education or work experience listed on this application to receive credit. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an unofficial transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applying for a position certified through the NC Dept. of Justice - Criminal Justice Standards Division, click this link for specific certification requirements: Correctional & Probation/Parole Officer Certification.
• The NC Dept. of Adult Correction must adhere to the US Dept. of Justice Final Rule on the "National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape." Click this link for information on hiring and promotion prohibition requirements for all positions in the NC Dept. of Adult Correction: PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader).

For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help- Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Stephanie B. Miller at 919-324-1303 or stephanie.b.miller@dac.nc.gov.

Benefits

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.

For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.