The Executive Director performs a wide variety of administrative and support functions that enable the State Public Defense Commission to function effectively. With Idaho’s public defense reform efforts this position will be tasked with addressing dynamic and challenging issues, and has the opportunity to assist the Commission in becoming a strong resource for public defenders and counties in Idaho. Duties include:
•Functions as the liaison between the PDC, the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch, county and state elected officials, stakeholder agencies and organizations, and Defending Attorneys, and collaborates with same
•Directs and prepares the Commission’s proposed annual budget, presents the budget to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, and monitors approved budget expenditures
•Assists the Commission in formulating and promulgating administrative rules and temporary procedures through the negotiated rule making process
•Assists the Commission in administering a grant program providing counties with grants for public defense programs
•Assists the Commission in managing a program to distribute funds for extraordinary litigation expenses
•Assists the Commission in developing recommendations to the Legislature for public defense reform
•Manages a Deputy Director, Regional Coordinators, and other staff
•Manages an appeals process including procedures defined in statute and in the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act
•Prepares informational presentations for various stakeholders
•Schedules and prepares for Commission meetings
•Assists the Commission in ensuring compliance with the Idaho Open Meetings law
•Assists the Commission in ensuring compliance with the Idaho Public Records Act
•Manages training scholarship fund for public defenders
•Oversees planning, coordination and execution of public defender continuing legal education programs
•Seeks and applies for relevant grants and administers related program efforts
•Submits requests for information from the various agencies or stakeholders
•Provides guidance and technical assistance to various agencies or stakeholders on compliance with public defense standards
•Collaborates with similar organizations in other states and at the national level to inform the Commission and its stakeholders of policies, procedures, and organizational structures in use in other states to support improvement of indigent defense in Idaho
MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant must hold a Juris Doctor Degree and be licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho or eligible for reciprocal admission. In addition, applicants must have the following:
•Knowledge of Idaho’s criminal court system, legal terminology, procedures, and legal ethics
•Ability to create and deliver public presentations to stakeholder groups to educate and inform about public defense and commission activities
•Experience working with elected officials and other relevant stakeholders in state and county government, as well as in the criminal justice system generally
•Experience developing and implementing strategic plans, performance measurements and personnel evaluations
•Computer literacy, including but not limited to, the use of Microsoft Office Applications, databases or case management systems, and the Internet. Effective English usage including: spelling, proofreading, punctuation and grammar
•Incumbents must be able to prioritize multiple work assignments, meet deadlines and work under pressure
•Some travel is required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference may be given to candidates who have:
•Experience working as a public defender
•Experience with the executive agency legislation process and the rules of the Idaho Senate and Idaho House of Representatives
•Experience with public sector budgeting processes, including the ability to advocate for and present budget and financial information to legislative committees or to a similar funding authority, and experience creating innovative solutions to manage public sector budget challenges
•Experience and familiarity with the negotiated rulemaking process and drafting administrative rules and regulations
•Experience with the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act
•Knowledge of public defense standards promulgated by national and state organizations
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants interested in this position must submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) two letters of recommendation. The required application materials must be received no later than Friday, September 28, 2018 at 5:00 pm MDT. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please direct all application materials to:
Kimberly Simmons
Idaho State Public Defense Commission
816 W. Bannock St., Ste. 201
Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 332-1735
[email protected]
(E-mail submissions are preferred)