Deputy Executive Director

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Deputy Executive Director in the Executive Division in our Norman office.

Basic Purpose

The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in overseeing and managing the operations of an agency, commission, or board for the State of Oklahoma, and serves as the Executive Director in the absence of the Executive Director. The incumbent may be responsible for or collaborate with other agency leaders to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and programs. They may also be responsible for or involved in the agency’s legislative, administrative, and budget process, financial management, and representing the organization to stakeholders and external partners. Incumbents in this position will directly supervise subordinate executive-level staff, such as directors, division directors or chief officers. The Deputy Executive Director is a crucial position in supporting the overall mission and goals of the organization.

Typical Functions

Assists the Executive Director in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and processes to positive outcomes for customers, clients, and consumers.
Supervises senior level staff assigned duties and responsibilities of a business or service segment (division, unit, or function) of the agency.
Serves as the acting Executive Director in the absence of the Executive Director.
Responsibilities may include the development, collaboration, and implementation of the agency’s legislative, administrative, or budget process, agency’s strategic plans, policies, and programs, or other executive-level business processes, or functions.
Ensures the agency’s mission and goals are met through quality management practices and principles, appropriate metrics, or other established methodologies for measuring and quantifying the delivered services or products of the agency.
Represent the agency as directed to a wide variety of constituencies, governmental and legislative bodies, stakeholders and partners, and others.
Ensures agency policies, plans, and practices are compliant with federal, state, and program rules, laws, and guidelines.
Level Descriptor

Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others. Distinction between levels is based on factors such as the breadth and depth of the agency’s overall program(s) and services, complexity of operations, structure, staff, and the impact of the programs and services provided to the citizens of the state of Oklahoma.

This is a leadership level position that serves as the Deputy Executive Director of an agency, commission, or board that provides services or performs work that are exclusive to a specific business or constituency. Incumbents will manage and supervise senior-level executive staff and management- level subordinates, such as Chief Officers, Agents in Charge, Division Director, and other similar positions. This includes periodically reviewing job performance, establishing program performance standards, and all other supervisory tasks and responsibilities including mentoring and coaching. Incumbents will provide leadership and guidance to their assigned agency programs or functions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and guidelines governing agency programs and internal functions; supervisory practices and principles, developing and implementing quality management standards; building a cohesive work environment to ensure position outcomes; the legislative, administrative, and budget processes; and diverse leadership methodologies.

Skills required at this level include skill in effective communication and negotiation; managing and directing executive-level staff by using appropriate supervisory and leadership practices and principles; and making data-driven decisions.

Abilities required at this level include ability to organize and direct the work of subordinate staff; analyze complex situations and make sound judgments; resolve complex administrative and personnel problems; and provide leadership to all staff within the agency.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of either a Juris Doctorate degree or a bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of relevant professional experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of education (master’s degree or doctorate) for one year of experience.

Juris doctorate and member of the Oklahoma Bar Association preferred.

Special Requirements

Experience working with State and local legislative bodies or state agencies is preferred.

Benefit Highlights

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include:

Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
11 paid holidays
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service
Method of Application

Interested applicants are encouraged to provide letter of interest and resume with their online application.

All Sources: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency, OR currently in trial period status, must apply through the Workday online External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers – https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/okgovjobs).
Current State of Oklahoma Employees: Must apply for open positions through their Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/okgov/login.htmld. After logging into Workday, go to Menu > Careers > Find Jobs – Internal State of Oklahoma.