The Executive Director receives direction from the Board of Directors to execute the mission of Umpqua Valley Public Defender. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer and responsible for leading the entire organization. The Executive Director directly supervises the Assistant Director, Office Managers, Supervising Attorneys and Supervising Investigator. The Executive Director seeks and integrates input of the entire staff to execute the organization's mission effectively.
The Executive Director is responsible for the execution of UVPD's mission to provide contracted indigent legal defense to the community. The Executive Director provides leadership for the day-to-day operations and ensures the execution of the Board of Directors guidance. The Executive Director shall ensure adherence to the contract with Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) and leads the entire staff of UVPD in providing client-centered criminal and juvenile defense.
The essential duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following elements:
Execute mission
Prepare budget and monitor and manage expenditures
OPDC Contract negotiation and compliance
Review monthly financial statements
Hire Employees
Oversee Training Program
Ensure Employee Handbook is up to date
Engage in Stakeholder Outreach to include community partners and all government branches
Oversee attorney supervision, training, and discipline
Handle caseload on as needed basis.
Voice and engagement with OPDC, other government agencies, press, and community.
Maintain a professional demeanor within and outside the office.
Cultivate and maintain effective and productive relationships with stakeholders including the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC), legislators, trial judges, Douglas County District Attorney, and Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council.
Supervise the performance appraisal process, staff meetings, office committees, projects and training.
Implement contingency planning with the Assistant Director.
Stay updated on the trends and policies in public defense, locally and nationally.
Other duties, as assigned by Board of Directors.
Skills needed:
Basic Accountancy
Advance Trial Capabilities
Legal and Business Leadership
Implement and oversee office policies and procedures.
Ability to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities.
Ability to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).
Ability to travel to the courthouse or other criminal justice system facilities to see clients and witnesses, or to testify in court.
Ability to transport or arrange for the transportation of files, trial notebooks, evidence, exhibits, and other related materials to and from the courthouse and other criminal justice system facilities.
Ability to visually search, enter, and edit computerized data.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of agency records.
Ability to courteously work with employees, clients and guests.
Ability to deal effectively with people of widely divergent backgrounds.
Ability to relate empathetically and respectfully to employees and clients.
Ability to apply office policy, procedures and work rules affecting assigned work.
Ability to organize work efficiently and to make appropriate decisions concerning work methods.
Ability to review forms or information for accuracy and completeness.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
Computer, telephone, fax, and networked copiers, printers, and scanners.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
May be required to lift or carry up to 10 lbs.
UVPD is a close-knit, friendly, team-oriented, cooperative and respectful public defense office with the financial means to allow for office development. The requirements of this position are performed in an office setting, courtroom and/or jail facilities. Late nights and weekend work are not an infrequent part of the job. UVPD commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Send the following via email to UVPD's Operations team at: operations@uvpd.org, Attn: Umpqua Valley Public Defender Board of Directors
1. A cover letter that reflects how your experience, skills, and commitment qualify you to become UVPD's Executive Director; 2. A complete chronological resume; and 3. A diversity statement of up to 300 words that outlines your commitment and experience hiring and supporting a diverse staff.
J.D.
Membership in the Oregon State Bar or the ability to get membership under the OSBAR comity rule
Minimum 5-years of trial level criminal defense and/or dependency work. Recommend 10+ of experience.
3+ years of senior leadership experience which includes demonstrated leadership in public defense, supervising and supporting staff, creating a collegial workplace, and implementing and maintaining office policies.