Recruitment Director

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Director of Attorney Recruitment spearheads all Agency efforts to recruit and hire dedicated, talented, and mission-driven attorneys. Working collaboratively with leaders across the state and members of the Senior Management Team, this position serves in both a collaborative and managing role within OPD, providing leadership, expertise, and vision for OPD’s attorney recruitment and volunteer programs. Working closely with OPD’s Human Resources Director, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, General Counsel, and EEO Director, the Recruitment Director establishes, implements, and oversees hiring and promotional practices that align with the Agency’s mission and priorities. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Perform full cycle recruitment for attorney and leadership level talent across OPD.
• Responsible for drafting job postings, circulating those postings, overseeing the screening and interviewing processes 
• Work with OPD attorney management teams to understand their hiring needs and challenges and craft targeted recruitment strategies and processes to help meet their hiring needs. 
• Collaboratively with OPD’s DEI and HR Directors, ensure the implementation of best practices and processes to promote diversity and inclusivity at every stage in the attorney hiring process. 
• Design and implement a hiring model that meets OPD’s needs but with the goal of creating a positive candidate experience.
• Ensure that all hiring practices comply with State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Serve as a champion for strong DEI practices and policies across the organization, including using effective change management practices to support and accelerate DEI goals and initiatives.
• Generate a comprehensive talent pipeline and secure new candidates by creating and implementing a comprehensive sourcing strategy and engaging with top attorney talent while building positive, lasting relationships. 
• Collaborate with HR and Training Division, develop and implement an onboarding plan for attorneys, law clerks, interns and volunteers.
• Oversee all aspects of OPD’s volunteer and pro bono programs.
• Supervise and collaborate with an administrative professional assigned to the Recruitment Division.
• And additional duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong leadership skills, including an understanding of how to lead organizational change and manage conflict within a large organization.
• Expertise in the laws, rules and policies concern attorney bar admission. 
• Excellent soft skills including interpersonal, communications, and organizational skills. 
• Must be detail oriented. 
• Basic HR employment knowledge
• Strong teamwork and relationship building skills with a collaborative approach to working with others.
• Demonstrated track record of thinking systemically and measuring progress.
• The ability to build trusting, productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Maryland and neighboring State for various fairs and events.  Public Interest work experience is not required but preferred.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or bar of another state.

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 HQ Supervisor: starting at $133, 467.00 (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.