Appellate Defender Division Administrator

1 day ago

Helena, United States State of Montana Full time

Job Overview:

The Appellate Defender Division represents clients in appeals before the Montana Supreme Court and in district court post-conviction proceedings authorized by the district courts.The Appellate Defender Division Administrator provides oversight, direction, and management to the Appellate Defender Division and is responsible for the operating plan and budget to effectively and efficiently provide legal services to those who qualify for these services under Montana law.As a member of agency leadership, the Administrator collaboratively contributes to agency wide strategic planning efforts.Duties include administering policy, ensuring compliance and tracking legislation, and preparing responses and divisional budget information during legislative sessions.

The Administrator directly supervises Appellate Defender Division’s Managing Attorneys and Office Manager and reports to the Director of OPD.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

Administrative Management:(40%)

Works closely with the Director of OPD to develop the Division’s operating plan and budget within the legislative appropriation. Develop and oversee Division operations to ensure efficient and effective use of resources. Evaluate resource requests for appropriateness and necessity in compliance with agency policies. Develop and implement regional strategic plans for the delivery of public defender services. Hire and supervise Managing Appellate Defenders and Office Manager. Set operating plans, budgets, goals, objectives and internal controls for the Division. Actively assess and evaluate adherence to plans, budgets, policies, and procedures. Continuously review business processes, policies, and procedures looking for innovative ideas to conduct business in more cost efficient and effective ways. In conjunction with the Director and the Central Services Division Administrator, assure that legal services are only provided to those that qualify under Montana law via an active and accurate qualification process. Represent the agency at various local, state, and national meetings. Respond directly to inquiries from the media, professional organizations and the public and defends agency decisions. Testify in legislative hearings regarding the operation of the Division, including on legislation impacting the agency, budget matters, and other agency operations. Develop, recommend, and propose legislation in response to divisionally related initiatives or issues.

Strategic Planning and Policy Development: (30%)

Assist the Director in the executive planning process. Assist the Director in developing and implementing statewide policies based on short- and long-term strategic goals. In conjunction with the Director and other Division Administrators, develop workforce development and operational plans in support of the agency’s mission. Develop and implement policies, procedures, internal controls, and standards which support and align with agency’s mission. Ensure divisional compliance with agency policies and procedures and rules, and state and federal laws; provide interpretation and guidance as needed. Develop strategic relationships with prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, corrections, elected officials, non-profit organizations, and other interested parties to further the agency’s mission and promote successful outcomes for indigent persons. Collaborate with the Director in developing and presenting the budget for the Division during legislative sessions. Analyze proposed legislative actions and determines the potential impact on the organization.

Operational Management and Supervision:(15%)

Ensure resource usage in the Division and offices is fiscally sound. Ensure Division compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations. Ensure processes are in place to accurately and timely collect and report data and information critical to the operation of the Division and the agency. Ensure that quality administrative management procedures are in place for the Division. Supervise Managing Appellate Defenders and Office Managers. Ensure compliance with the OPD’s Practice Standards to promote excellence and professionalism in representation to those entitled to counsel at public expense. Ensure that assignments of counsel for capital cases are consistent with standards issued by the Montana Supreme Court. Ensure that the performance evaluation process is active and robust for all Division employees. Ensure that employees are receiving training and mentoring to be successful in performing work assignments. Oversee progressive discipline. Ensure Division personnel and clients are aware of avenues available for bringing forward complaints about public defender performance. Ensure proper caseload management in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Provide assistance in resolving conflicts of interest in an appropriate and ethical manner. Manage highly sensitive public, political, and Division-specific issues. Be accountable for the follow-through and completion of management and agency goals, objectives, and work activities.

Client Representation: (15%)

Represents clients in appeals before the Montana Supreme Court and in district court post-conviction proceedings. Maintains a caseload as set by the Director.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Work of this position normally occurs in a typical office setting.Work also requires some travel and routinely requires extended work hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The main knowledge and skill areas required for the job:

Able to energize and provide strong leadership to the Appellate Defender Division. Able to provide a balanced approach to providing appellate defender services by balancing the needs of the client with the limited resources available to the Division. Able to develop and implement agency and Division policies based on short- and long-term strategic planning goals, management concepts, and practices. Ability to take responsibility and accountability for work activities and personal actions, as well as recognize the impact of one’s behavior on others and agency goals. Ability to follow through on commitments and implement agency decisions. Able to recognize, analyze, and solve complex management problems. Able to assess hypothetical situations and impacts, consolidate a unified strategy in response to numerous issues and concerns, and make proper and timely decisions in stressful situations. Able to direct a complex organization through effective planning, delegation, and leadership. Able to accept the direction of the Director in carrying out policy. Able to gain respect and manage and utilize the skills of staff. Able to provide supervision and organizational direction and to demonstrate extensive knowledge of change, personnel, and budget management. Demonstrate verbal and written communication, negotiation, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Possess strong relationship-building skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across diverse groups and to build trust and credibility in working relationships. Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the Public Defender system. Extensive knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, terminology, and systems as well as of state and federal laws, rules and regulations and of public defense generally. Knowledge and experience in public administration, public relations, government organization, lobbying, state budgeting, and legislative processes.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Must have a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school and be admitted to the State Bar of Montana and At least six years of progressively responsible management experience including supervision of legal professions, budgeting, and organizational and operational functions. The ideal candidate will have extensive appellate experience with the areas of criminal and civil law involved in public defense. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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