Chief Public Defender

Description:

The Division of Public Defender Services Commission is recruiting for the position of Chief Public Defender. This position serves as the Head of the Division responsible for providing counsel in accordance with both the United States and Connecticut Constitutions to any indigent person charged with the commission of a crime that carries a risk of incarceration. In addition, representation and guardian ad-litem services are afforded to indigent children and parents in child welfare, family, and child support matters.

• Executive Management: Administers the indigent defense delivery system pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 887; administers, coordinates, and controls the operations of defender services and is responsible for the overall supervision and direction of all personnel, offices, divisions, and facilities of the Division of Public Defender Services; directs the executive team of the Division.
• Commission Relationship: Pursuant to C.G.S. 51-289, reports to the Public Defender Services Commission any significant developments within the Division and within the criminal legal system; provides guidance to the Commission on the development of goals, objectives, plans, policies, and procedures; carries out the policies established by the Public Defender Services Commission.
• Division Administration: Administers and develops the Division budget; supervises the training of all personnel; promulgates necessary rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the delivery of indigent defense systems; monitors caseloads for the office and individual lawyers to ensure that ethical caseload standards are met; performs regular employee evaluations of senior staff and attorneys.
• External Relationships: Acts as chief liaison with criminal justice agencies, the public, the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches of government, and funding sources; participates in work groups and task forces concerning the services and clients of the Division; monitors and remains informed of executive, legislative, and judicial issues; review proposed and enacted legislation for fiscal and operational impact.
• Effecting Change: Consults with and cooperates with professional bodies and groups concerning the functioning of the criminal legal systems, including administration of justice, equity in the reentry and rehabilitation of returning citizens, means for reducing the commission of crimes, and the improvement of the administration and conduct of public defender services.
• Legal Oversight: Provides executive oversight and legal guidance to office heads and employees in relation to legal issues and court operations.

The successful candidate will have the following abilities and skills:

• Leading Change: The ability to bring about strategic change both internally and externally as it relates to the Division and its goals. The selected individual will demonstrate the ability to develop and implement an organizational mission and vision.
• Leading People: The ability to lead people toward meeting the Division's vision, mission, and goals. This includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
• Results Driven: The ability to meet the goals of the Division and the expectations of stakeholders. Inherent in this is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems and issues, and evaluating risk.
• Business Intelligence: The ability to manage human, financial, legal, and information resources strategically.
• Navigating the Public Sector: Has knowledge and understanding of the working of State government and how to achieve results in this environment. Ensures that goals meet stakeholder needs, aligns Division objectives and practices with public and stakeholder interest.
• Interpersonal Skills: Develops and maintains relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations; values unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals and strives to create a diverse workplace where all individuals can thrive.
• Oral Communications: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations; communicates clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

Minimum Qualifications:
Member in good standing of the Connecticut Bar for at least ten (10) years with demonstrated experience in the practice of criminal defense and in the competencies listed above.

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