Director, Office of the Public Defender

Phoenix, NM - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 162000 - 243000

Posted on: 2 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Posting Date

11/20/25

Application Deadline

12/17/25

Pay Range

$162000 - $243000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidates 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 Countys 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!

Required Experience:

Director

Posting Date11/20/25Application Deadline12/17/25Pay Range$162000 - $243000 annuallySalary offers are based on the candidates equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.Job TypeUnclassified...