Public Defender Director

Position: Montgomery County Public Defender Director

The Montgomery County Ohio Public Defenders Commission is seeking applications from dynamic and committed attorneys for the position of Public Defender Director. The selected candidate must demonstrate exceptional management and leadership skills and actively promote the organizations vision mission and high ethical standards in support of legal advocacy for Public Defender clients.

Preliminary Responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to:

• Collaborate with community organizations to educate the public and stakeholders about the role and importance of Public Defenders in advancing criminal justice.
• Address and work toward eliminating racial disparity and bias within the criminal justice system.
• Advocate for public defense within the governance structure to secure essential funding staffing resources (including operations and technology) and organizational independence.
• Develop partnerships and working arrangements with external organizations to obtain resources such as grants to further the Offices mission.
• Maintain an inclusive workplace that fosters teamwork cooperation professional development and constructive conflict resolution.
• Implement and maintain methods for gathering feedback from clients and departing employees to improve workplace conditions and service delivery and create plans to integrate this information into Office practices.
• Establish effective working relationships with clients Office employees external agencies County department heads County Commissioners and the Public Defender Commission.
• Collaborate with management to prepare the Organizations annual budget advocate for its adoption and collaborate with the Commission regarding preparation and approval.
• Work effectively with union representatives and assigned counsel tomaintaina collaborative work environment including participating in union negotiations.
• Effectively formulate and implement policies for providing legal services to thepoor anddevelop strategies to maximize employee potential in achieving these goals.
• Demonstrate proficiency with emerging technology and artificial intelligence.

Required Qualifications
Additional Required Qualifications: At the time of assuming the role of Public Defender the candidate must be licensed to practice law in Ohio and in good standing with all licensing authorities in all jurisdictions. The candidate must have significant years of experience as a practicing attorney including relevant experience in criminal defense and legal management.

Preferred qualifications include at least two years of director-level experience and experience in budget management.

Ohio Drivers License required.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience with a starting range beginning at $163000. Benefits are provided as outlined by Montgomery County.

Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit resumes letters and three references to the Montgomery County Ohio Public Defenders Commission c/o Nicola Lewis 117 S. Main Street 4th Floor Dayton Ohio 45422 or emailpply by no later than May 15 2026.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER