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Executive Director - Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Augusta , Maine , United States | Legal | Full-time

Apply by: Sept. 5, 2025

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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Executive Director

Augusta

Opening Date: August 8, 2025

Closing Date: September 5, 2025

Job Class Code: EY71

Grade: 37

Salary: $97,489.60– $147,596.80

Position Number: 146000001

PDS OVERVIEW

PDS is an independent commission that provides high-quality representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense under the United States Constitution or under the Constitution or statutes of Maine.

PDS uses a hybrid model of employed public defenders and private assigned attorneys to provide representation to criminal defendants, youth in delinquency cases, parents in child protective cases, and people facing involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital.

The Executive Director is supervised by a nine-member Commission and is responsible for working with the Commission to develop, implement, and oversee reforms to Maine’s public defense system consistent with the Commission’s enabling legislation. The Executive Director oversees a staff of over 70 employees.

Job Summary

As the Executive Director, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of PDS, including the following:

+ Preparing and presenting the office’s proposed biennial and supplemental budgets

+ Advocating on behalf of PDS to the Maine legislature

+ Hiring, supervising, and directing PDS personnel

Work Location

Augusta, Maine with periodic travel throughout the state

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

+ Develops the process for application, acceptance, removal, and renewal of assigned counsel

+ Facilitates the development, training, and education of assigned counsel by providing continuing legal education programs and establishing a mentoring program

+ Ensures PDS responds to inquiries and complaints about assigned counsel, and investigates such complaints

Policy Development and Management Responsibilities

+ Formulates policy recommendations to the Commission and crafts proposed rules to implement the Commission’s policy initiatives

+ Advocates for legislative appropriations required to fund the implementation of policies and standards adopted by the Commission

+ Develops and implements a process for attorney performance evaluations

+ Develops and implements a process for attorney oversight and mentoring

+ Researches and reviews legislative updates and legal opinions, and adapts policies and procedures to address legislative changes

Fiscal Responsibilities

+ Monitors the approved budget

+ Prepares biennial and supplemental budgets and annual reports for Commission consideration

+ Maintains records of all financial transactions related to the operation of the Commission

Statistical and Performance Reporting

+ Reports statistical and performance data to the Commission on a monthly basis

Supervisor and Leadership Responsibilities

+ Oversees staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and dismissals

+ Provides guidance and legal advice to assigned counsel

+ Works closely with the legislature in accomplishing the objectives of PDS

+ Provides leadership and direction towards the development and achievement of the Commission’s mission and its immediate and long-term goals and objectives

+ Develops and maintains clear, frequent and effective communication with the Commission, leadership of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, bar associations, indigent defense organizations, the media, indigent client population, and the public

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A juris doctor degree from an ABA approved school and either licensure or the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine is required. Applicants with an advanced degree or experience in public administration, court administration or related administrative field, plus management experience are preferred.

The ideal candidate should have significant criminal defense experience including the provision of indigent legal services, significant public sector leadership experience, and be highly skilled in personnel management, public policy advocacy, and budget development. The ideal candidate should also have experience with juvenile defense, child protection law and practices and involuntary commitment law and practices.

Applicants must be familiar with the ABA standards relating to the provision of indigent defense legal services.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest through the online direct hire application found on the Maine Bureau of Human Resources website.

Please direct questions about the position to PDS Deputy Executive Director Ellie Maciag at [email protected]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

+ Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

+ Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,252.80 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

+ Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).

+ Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.91% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

+ Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing parents and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available under theFamily and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/workplace-posters) .

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.