Director, Office of the Public Defender

Posting Date

11/20/25

Application Deadline

12/17/25

Pay Range

$162,000 - $243,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Defense Services

About the Position

Are you an enthusiastic leader who believes in serving the indigent population and making a difference in the community?  We are seeking a dedicated, motivated, and solution-driven Director to provide overall leadership, management, and direction for the Office of the Public Defender.

About Us

With over 450 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are committed to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in court. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud To Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Ten years of experience practicing as an attorney, of which four must be in government indigent representation
• Five years of supervisory or management experience
• Doctor of Jurisprudence or Doctor of Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school

Other Requirements

The selected candidate must be licensed to practice law as a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona, or licensed to practice in another state with the ability to obtain admission to the State Bar of Arizona at the time of hire

We Also Value

Our preferred candidate has experience in the management process and policy-making functions of a law office.

Job Contributions

• Provides administrative and operational direction for all activities of the Office of the Public Defender
• Works collaboratively with the Office of Public Defense Services, Legal Advocate, Public Advocate, and Legal Defender
• Works with the Office of Public Defense Services to assist in the creation of strategic planning and budget development
• Directs and implements departmental policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with Federal and State ethical, statutory, and Constitutional mandates
• Meets and confers with the public, Public Defense Services, other County Departments, the Courts, and Federal, State, local, and intergovernmental agencies
• Monitors and participates in legislative activities, which may affect the County’s legal defense operations
• Supervises the interviewing, hiring, performance, and management of attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, social workers, secretarial, clerical, and administrative staff

Working Conditions

The employee in this position may experience traumatic subject matter, interruptions, time pressures, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks and/or frequently changing tasks. The position requires accuracy, strong decision-making skills, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, working in close physical proximity to others, and significant public contact.

Selection Procedure

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!