Director

The Montana Office of the Public Defender is seeking a Director. Were seeking a candidate with strong leadership change management and analytical skills with a passion for public service and the ability to lead a statewide organization.

The Director manages the state public defender system and directs and implements initiatives in support of the agencys mission to ensure equal access to justice for Montanas indigent. The Office of the Public Defender consists of four offices : Central Services State Public Defender Office Appellate Defender Office and Conflict Office . The director does not manage or direct litigation strategy. The director reports to the Director of the Department of Administration and the Governor.

Duties :

Supervision Manage the statewide public defender system. Hire the public defender appellate defender conflict defender and central services division administrators. Establish and evaluate qualifications duties and compensation for division administrators. Establish and direct an agency-wide performance evaluation process . Responsible for developing a positive and supportive workplace culture focused on client outcomes.

Policy Management Planning and Budget Manage agency strategic planning and reporting process. Ensure agency delivers quality public defender services while operating within budget constraints. Implement policies procedures controls and standards which promote efficiency and align with agency strategic plans. Establish a consistent and effective process for managing excess caseloads.

Public Relations Represent the interests of the Office of the Public Defender at meetings events and in the media. Actively seek grants and awards from the federal government and other sources. Develop partnerships with prosecutors judges law enforcement corrections elected officials non-profit organizations and other interest groups.

Legislative Management Represent the Office of the Public Defender during legislative sessions and at interim committee hearings. Direct legislative executive planning process and seek approval for agency budget. Provide interpretation and guidance on pending legislation. Confer with legislators and officials to promote effective legislative outcomes for Montanas indigent persons.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities :

This position requires the following :

• strong leadership and change management skills;
• strong relationship-building and communication skills;
• extensive knowledge of personnel and budget management;
• knowledge and experience in public administration public relations government organization lobbying state budgeting and legislative processes;
• strong negotiation analytical problem solving organization and decision-making skills;
• demonstrated commitment to the mission of Public Defender system;

ability to effectively manage and respond to politically sensitive and controversial issues and handle public criticism; and

general knowledge of the legal system including knowledge of issues affecting indigent persons

Education and Experience :

This position requires a Juris Doctor and at least 5 years of administrative-level public sector management experience. Experience with a poverty-based program is preferred.

The successful candidate must be licensed to practice law in the state of Montana.

Required Application Materials :

Please submit the following documents through the State of Montana Careers website :

Cover letter

Resume

Additional Information :

The successful candidate may choose whether to work primarily in the Helena or Butte office. Statewide travel is required.

Relocation expenses are not available for this position.

Applicant names may be disclosed to the public upon request. For those applicants selected as finalists names and other information about the applicants backgrounds and qualifications may be disclosed to the public through a press release.

For further information regarding the Office of the Public Defender see the Montana Public Defender Act (Title 47 M.C.A.)

The State of Montana offers vacation sick leave and holidays as well as full health and dental benefits life insurance and retirement.

Required Experience :

Director

Key Skills

Fundraising,Management Experience,Coaching,Analysis Skills,Strategic Planning,Team Management,Budgeting,Leadership Experience,Mentoring,Public Speaking,negotiation,Supervising Experience

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1