Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
Open Position – Call for Applicants
Training Director
Topeka, KS
Training Director
The Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) is accepting applications for the position of Training Director, based in the BIDS Administration Office in Topeka, Kansas. This is an attorney position.
The Training Director will lead the agency’s state-wide public defense Training Division, which is responsible for implementing the agency’s training objectives across the trial, appellate, and death penalty defense programs. The Training Director’s programs will meet the needs of all members of the defense team, including the agency’s attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, legal assistants, administrative specialists, and administrative staff. The Training Director is an agency leader who must demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the representation of indigent defendants and exhibit the vision, desire, and ability to implement the highest quality trainings.
The Training Director will oversee the continued development of the BIDS training program and will work collaboratively to expand already existing BIDS training and envision new programs. The Training Director is directly supervised by the Executive Director.
The Mission
The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, through its regional public defender offices and assigned counsel program, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. By supporting and elevating public defense in the State of Kansas, BIDS empowers its team to provide relentless representation and collaborative advocacy in service of client-centered outcomes.
The BIDS Administration Office supports the work of all BIDS employees, as well as assigned and contract counsel. Our agency has approximately 285 employees and 19 offices across the state. We are looking for a dynamic, client-centered Training Director who interested in pursuing excellence in public defense training. This position presents a tremendous opportunity to impact public defense representation across the entire state-wide system.
We are interested in candidates who believe in the importance of mentoring attorneys and non-attorney defense team members in client-centered defense practices, who appreciate the importance of training every defense team member, and who possess a wide range of skills and connections that will enable them to facilitate high quality defense training.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
The Training Director is a management level position reporting to the Executive Director of the agency. The Training Director supervises supporting program staff, including the Assistant Training Director and the Training Division Administrative Specialist. The Training Director will work closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Special Projects, and other members of BIDS leadership, including trial and appellate Chiefs and Deputies, to envision and implement state-wide programs.
The Training Director has responsibility for the management of the agency's comprehensive state-wide public defense training program. This includes managing and maintaining the online learning management system and producing and distributing training materials, practice guides, and training program evaluations. The Training Director is responsible for working with the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission to ensure compliance and approval of all CLE hours offered by BIDS, as well as for reporting all completed hours for participant credit.
We are in search of a candidate who is experienced in criminal defense litigation and who has an established history of successfully organizing and presenting continuing legal education seminars on criminal defense practice, or who has other significant relevant teaching or practical experience. Important skills are collaboration, organization, communication, and vision.
Education
• Must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas at the time of employment.
Licensing & Certification
• Maintain licensure as an active attorney in good standing in the State of Kansas.
• Attorneys licensed in another state must be willing and able to seek admission to the Kansas bar immediately upon hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have at minimum, the following qualifications:
• Must have exceptional demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills, and the ability to communicate legal concepts to others.
• Must have a high level of initiative, dependability, and ability to work with little supervision.
• Must have a high level of attention to detail and the ability to organize complex training schedules, calendars, and programs.
• Must have the ability to develop curricula and training materials and present that information to audiences in a clear and engaging manner.
• Must demonstrate an on-going commitment to the development of a client-centered, collaborative defense practice.
• Must be available to participate in regular leadership strategy sessions and collaborate with other team members on cross-team projects,
• Must have the ability to use all necessary electronic systems, including all required E-filing systems and records management systems, as well as case tracking databases.
• Must be able to effectively handle emergency or crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Must possess exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must have demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients, employees, and colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must have the ability to professionally handle confidential matters.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships with local and state agencies, professional groups, and other stakeholders.
• Must be willing and able to treat every client, employee, and colleague with dignity and respect.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to travel in-state to each of our regional defender offices.
• Must be willing and able to travel out-of-state to national training programs and conferences.
Preferred Qualifications:
• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling felonies (trial or appellate) preferred.
• A history of successfully preparing and presenting trainings and continuing legal education programs, or other significant teaching or practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading others (formal or informal).
• Knowledge of training principles and practices for adult learners.
• Familiarity with training evaluation and needs assessments.
• Experience in facilitating small group discussions and skills exercises.
• Experience organizing event logistics and working concurrently on multiple short term and long-range projects.
• Experience and/or familiarity with collaborative defense models.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation for this position (Training Director) ranges from $85,850.00 - $120,000.00. Compensation may vary depending upon experience, education, or qualifications.
The State of Kansas Employment Benefits Package includes:
• First day of employment comprehensive coverage under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) for medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision Tax advantage
accounts are available and include options such as a Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts • Additional voluntary benefits including Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
• SEHP members and their covered family members have access to the HealthQuest Health Center at 9th and Kansas Avenue in Topeka for in person and virtual health care services
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: paid parental leave, military leave, jury leave, and funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs
Application Materials Needed
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• List of three professional references
• If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, please also include your DD214.
To apply for this position, please click the link below.
Apply – Training Director
Ensure you upload all required documents during the application process.
If you have any further questions please contact:
Shawn Keeling
Human Resources Professional, Administration Office
State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
[email protected]
Application deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, open until filled.
Please be aware that if an offer of employment is made, actual employment is subject to pre-employment conditions, which include:
• Confirmation of licensure as an active attorney in good standing the State of Kansas, or successful admission to the Kansas Bar, prior to start date.
• Governor’s salary approval.
Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required:
Each applicant (even non-residents) applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain and submit a valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter
to the hiring agency by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/default.aspx. A Tax Clearance Certificate is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual’s account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact 785-296-3199 or by email at
[email protected].
How to Claim Veterans Preference:
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
Advertised by Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have at minimum, the following qualifications:
• Must have exceptional demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills, and the ability to communicate legal concepts to others.
• Must have a high level of initiative, dependability, and ability to work with little supervision.
• Must have a high level of attention to detail and the ability to organize complex training schedules, calendars, and programs.
• Must have the ability to develop curricula and training materials and present that information to audiences in a clear and engaging manner.
• Must demonstrate an on-going commitment to the development of a client-centered, collaborative defense practice.
• Must be available to participate in regular leadership strategy sessions and collaborate with other team members on cross-team projects,
• Must have the ability to use all necessary electronic systems, including all required E-filing systems and records management systems, as well as case tracking databases.
• Must be able to effectively handle emergency or crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Must possess exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Must have demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients, employees, and colleagues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Must have the ability to professionally handle confidential matters.
• Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships with local and state agencies, professional groups, and other stakeholders.
• Must be willing and able to treat every client, employee, and colleague with dignity and respect.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to travel in-state to each of our regional defender offices.
• Must be willing and able to travel out-of-state to national training programs and conferences.
Preferred Qualifications:
• At least 5 years of criminal defense experience handling felonies (trial or appellate) preferred.
• A history of successfully preparing and presenting trainings and continuing legal education programs, or other significant teaching or practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading others (formal or informal).
• Knowledge of training principles and practices for adult learners.
• Familiarity with training evaluation and needs assessments.
• Experience in facilitating small group discussions and skills exercises.
• Experience organizing event logistics and working concurrently on multiple short term and long-range projects.
• Experience and/or familiarity with collaborative defense models.
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