MEJC Director of Systemic Reform

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a licensed attorney with program management experience to join our team as the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MEJC) Director of Systemic Reform.  The MEJC Director works closely with the Public Defender in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to address strategically and innovatively, the systemic legal issues which have led to mass incarceration in Maryland. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.   

The Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MJEC) is an executive-level project, between the MOPD and the OAG, for advancing equity and justice across all practice areas focusing primarily on criminal justice reforms, including but not limited to combatting the school-to-prison pipeline; reducing the collateral consequences of interacting with law enforcement; ending discriminatory profiling; expanding the use of diversionary programs; eliminating the criminalization of poverty and mental health; and reducing recidivism. 

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. 

MOPD’s mission centers on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and function as a team united in achieving MOPD’s mission.  Learn more about the mission, public defense, and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at https://opd.state.md.us/.

Overview of the Position

MOPD has identified a need for a statewide position to provide strategic legal guidance to help vindicate the constitutional and statutory rights of MOPD clients and to challenge pervasive unfair criminal justice practices.  The purpose of this position is to address in a strategic and innovative way the systemic legal issues, which have led to mass incarceration in Maryland.  The MEJC Director of Systemic Reform is responsible for assisting the Public Defender with priority initiatives and special projects targeted to dismantling mass incarceration, primarily working in the oversight and management of MOPD’s work in the MEJC project.  The Director will lead diverse multi-disciplinary teams of internal and external stakeholders, identifying best practices and innovations, supervising legal and policy research, setting strategic goals for the project advancement, developing and tracking performance metrics and other relevant data, and providing oral and written reports on project status and outcomes.

MOPD advocates for securing justice, protecting civil rights, and preserving liberty.  MOPD provides zealous and comprehensive defense for client’s who otherwise, would not be able to afford counsel in criminal, juvenile, parental defense, and involuntary commitment proceedings. With the vast majority of our attorneys providing direct representation to MOPD clients and handling large active caseloads, MOPD has identified a need for a statewide position to provide strategic legal guidance to help vindicate the constitutional and statutory rights of MOPD clients to challenge pervasive unfair criminal justice practices.  The Director will also collaborate with MOPD attorneys and staff grappling with novel legal issues arising in their daily practices and will support attorneys across the state by assisting with litigation strategy by sharing data gathered and pertinent information learned.  The Director will also collaborate with internal and external partners on strategic initiatives designed to address pervasive and systemic obstacles faced by our clients.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversight and management of MEJC and other special projects as assigned.
• Track and monitor the progress of MEJC and other special projects and timelines.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to ensure that MEJC and other special projects adhere to the scope and schedule.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and update resource materials to support project goals such as guidelines, talking points, and work plans. 
• Develop and maintain tracking mechanisms for performance metrics related to MEJC and special projects.
• Provide oral and written reports on project status and outcomes.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive communication environment where stakeholders feel heard and valued.
• Travel to various offices and locations throughout the state to meet with internal and external stakeholders.
• And other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Core Competencies and Requirements

• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar.
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience required (significant criminal defense experience preferred).
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and time management skills.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Highly attentive to details and delivers superior quality, accurate work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and positively in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to proactively manage project requirements and deadlines.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made.  

Administrative Program Manager IV: $106,620.00 - $145,151.00/year (Grade 22: Step 10-Step 26) 

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

To be considered, you must complete the online application AND submit the required documents.

When you get to the tab labeled resume, you must INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS in the resume upload in one PDF. The required documents for this position are listed below. 

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position.
3. A list of four professional references, please include your relationship to the reference.
4. A writing sample.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Individuals selected for an interview will receive an invitation for a Spark Hire interview invitation.

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.