Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an
independent state agency charged with providing superior, client-centered
representation to indigent individuals at all stages of the legal process.
MOPD’s vision is Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Operating
across 24 jurisdictions, our dedicated team of over 1,000 attorneys,
investigators, social workers, and administrative professionals works
collaboratively to protect fundamental constitutional rights, preserve liberty,
and advocate for systemic justice reform across Maryland. OPD promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion
in all aspects of its work and welcomes candidates with lived experience in the
criminal legal system.
We are seeking a bold, mission-driven quantitative
thinker who excels at turning complex legal and operational data into powerful
policy narratives. The ideal candidate thrives under high-stakes pressure,
possesses exceptional technical and analytical precision, and can seamlessly
translate "raw data" into actionable executive briefings and
persuasive legislative arguments.
The position requires a collaborative
strategist who can build strong bridges across agency leadership, local trial
offices, IT teams, and external stakeholders. We are seeking a candidate with a
deep, unwavering commitment to client-centered representation and systemic
equity using empirical evidence to uphold OPD's truth-telling function and
ensure resources directly serve the needs of our clients. All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations 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 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, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
GRADE
STD0019
LOCATION OF POSITION
6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Senior Researcher & Policy Strategist serves as the lead architect of OPD’s data-driven narrative, bridging the gap between raw operational data and high-stakes policy decisions. This position transforms complex datasets into a unified agency-wide strategy, ensuring that OPD’s budget requests, legislative testimony, and public reporting reflect the ground-level realities of public defense.
POSITION DUTIES
●
Agency-Wide Data Strategy: Build and
operationalize a unified data strategy across OPD’s statewide system; design
data collection frameworks reflecting public defense operations; ensure data
integrity across divisions.
●
High-Stakes Reporting & Narrative
Development: Lead the development of the OPD Annual Report; drive Managing
for Results (MFR) reporting; produce executive-level briefings connecting data
to tradeoffs and outcomes.
● Budget & Resource Advocacy: Serve as
a core architect of the OPD budget data compilation and graphics; analyze
caseload trends, staffing models, and system pressures to support funding
requests and justify resource allocation.
●
Strategic Planning & System Analysis:
Help design and track OPD’s strategic plan with client-centered metrics;
identify systemic trends, disparities, and policy failures to elevate to
executive leadership.
●
Legislative & Policy Integration:
Provide rapid-response research for legislative strategy and testimony; partner
with communications and policy teams to ensure statistically sound public
messaging.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for five years of the required experience.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
●
Five (5) years of
administrative or professional experience conducting policy-relevant research,
data analysis, program evaluation, or strategic planning.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
●
Graduation from an accredited
college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant social science
field (political science, sociology, economics, public policy, etc.).
●
Advanced proficiency in quantitative and
statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL, STATA).
●
Hands-on experience developing interactive data
dashboards using visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
●
Proven track record of translating complex
fiscal, operational, or legal datasets into high-level policy narratives and
executive briefings.
●
Experience in criminal legal system research,
indigent defense, health, immigration or public sector policy analysis.
●
Ability to translate complex findings for
non-technical/policymaker audiences; strong writing and presentation skills.
●
Experience working with government agencies,
nonprofits or community organizations
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online Applications Preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.
Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
