TRAINING DIVISION DIRECTOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced and visionary Training Division Director to lead its statewide training efforts. The Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all professional development programs for attorneys, core staff, and leadership. This role is critical to ensuring high-quality, zealous, client-centered advocacy throughout the agency.

This management-level position reports directly to the Public Defender and is part of the statewide leadership team.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52 locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1000 employees. At MOPD, we use our legal education and expertise to fight for justice and fairness, as tenacious advocates we refuse to remain silent amid human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in providing superior representation to our clients. We stand firm against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces. OPD promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work and welcomes candidates with lived experience in the criminal legal system.

24

839 Elkridge Landing Rd.

Linthicum, MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Training Division Director leads, designs, implements, and oversees comprehensive training and professional development programs for attorneys, core staff, and leadership within the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. This role ensures that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective, zealous, client-centered representation consistent with constitutional and ethical mandates.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development & Delivery

●      Design and implement comprehensive training curricula for new attorney orientation, ongoing CLE, and specialized practice areas (including core staff)

●      Conduct orientation programs, facilitate workshops, and provide one-on-one coaching to attorneys

●      Coordinate training schedules and deliver programs in multiple formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid)

●      Organize conferences, workshops, and onboarding programs

Quality Assurance & Compliance

●      Conduct pre- and post-training assessments measuring learning outcomes and knowledge retention

●      Ensure all programs meet CLE requirements, professional responsibility standards, and accessibility guidelines

●      Maintain accurate records of training hours, certifications, and continuing education credits

Strategic Planning & Innovation

●      Conduct annual training needs assessments and develop long-term strategic plans aligned with office goals

●      Research and implement innovative training methodologies and technology solutions

●      Establish rapid-response protocols for urgent legal developments and emergency training needs

Data Management & Analytics

●      Maintain comprehensive training database tracking participation, outcomes, and professional development progress

●      Generate regular reports on training effectiveness, completion rates, and performance improvements

●      Use evidence-based decision making to inform curriculum development and resource allocation

Leadership & Collaboration

●      Serve as subject matter expert on public defense training practices

●      Build relationships with stakeholders including chief defenders, academics and community organizations

●      Mentor new training staff and collaborate with other public defender offices to share best practices

Administrative & Resource Management

●      Develop and manage training budget including personnel, materials, technology, and facility costs

●      Identify and pursue external funding opportunities through grants and partnerships

●      Develop training policies and procedures aligned with office standards and professional requirements

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

●      Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

●      Admission to practice law and in good standing with a U.S. jurisdiction (Maryland Bar admission strongly preferred or must be eligible to waive in).

●      At least 8 years of experience practicing criminal defense law, preferably with a public defender office or similar legal services organization.

●      Minimum of 3 years of experience designing and delivering training or educational programs for legal professionals.

●      Demonstrated leadership or management experience in a legal or nonprofit setting

●      Superior organizational skills.

● Strong leadership skills, including an understanding of how to lead organizational change and manage conflict within a large organization.

● Excellent soft skills including interpersonal, communications, and organizational skills.

●      Strong teamwork and relationship building skills with a collaborative approach to working with others.

Preferred Qualifications

●      Experience with curriculum development and adult learning methodologies.

●      Familiarity with Maryland criminal law and courtroom procedures.

●      Prior experience managing a team or department of 10+. 

●      Knowledge of learning management systems (LMS), online training platforms, and CLE accreditation standards.

●      Experience with culturally responsive and anti-racist training practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

●      Public defense systems, indigent defense, and the ethical duties of legal representation.

●      Criminal law, trial practice, and constitutional principles.

●      Training and instructional design principles, particularly for adult learners.

●      Legal professional development, CLE requirements, and state bar rules.

Skills in:

●      Strategic planning and project management.

●      Verbal and written communication tailored to diverse audiences.

●      Curriculum and program design (in-person and online).

●      Team leadership, supervision, and budget management.

Ability to:

●      Lead a statewide initiative with minimal supervision.

●      Inspire and motivate a diverse team of professionals.

●      Collaborate across divisions and external partners with professionalism and tact.

●      Handle sensitive or complex issues involving staff development, diversity, and ethics.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 23 or below. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 24. 

Assistant Public Defender Headquarter Supervisor: starting at $134,802.00 (Grade 24: Step 15)

Benefits

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.

For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.

How to Apply

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, and (3) a list of four professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. 

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.  Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. 

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.