Executive Director

Executive Director

About New Hampshire Public Defender

New Hampshire Public Defender provides high-quality, reliable representation to indigent defendants accused of crimes in all state courts. The talented, committed lawyers and staff serve clients facing criminal and delinquency prosecution who cannot afford to retain private counsel and take pride in safeguarding each individual's right to quality defense. A private, nonprofit corporation, NHPD currently employs approximately 130 attorneys, 30 investigators, and a total staff of 250 who provide services in more than 28,000 criminal and delinquency cases annually. Organized into 11 trial offices across the state and an appellate office, NHPD operates with a budget of over $23.75 million per year, allowing significant operational independence while maintaining a strong oversight framework through the Judicial Council. The administrative office is centrally located in Concord, New Hampshire.The New Hampshire Public Defender (NHPD) is seeking an Executive Director to oversee its statewide operations. Reporting to the Board of Directors of NHPD, the Executive Director is the senior-most executive at NHPD and will lead and inspire a diverse team to uphold the highest standards of legal representation for clients throughout the state. For more information about NHPD, please visit our website at www.nhpd.org

The Opportunity

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management and operation of NHPD. They will lead and empower the NHPD staff to provide zealous representation of clients, overseeing all aspects of the organization, collaborating closely with the staff and the Board to ensure client-centered defense, managing the organization's finances, acting as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, and strengthening the organization's mission-driven culture.The Executive Director must be a visionary leader who sees the big picture while also knowing how all decisions affect NHPD staff and clients. They must build trust with all internal and external stakeholders from interns to staff attorneys to state officials. Finally, the Executive Director must have a deep understanding of organizational design that recognizes the intense nature of NHPD's work and the importance of balancing growth, clients, capacity and efficiency. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills and significant management experience. Key responsibilities for the Executive Director include:

Leadership and Management:

• Program Leadership: Lead the New Hampshire Public Defender Program in delivering exceptional criminal defense services to indigent clients, ensuring that all legal services meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Drive continuous improvement in the methods of providing legal representation. Stay informed of changes in the criminal justice system and respond proactively to maintain high-quality client services.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Board and staff to determine organizational priorities and build strategic plans.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including legislators, judicial officials, and community organizations, to advocate for the needs of indigent clients and enhance the organization's visibility and impact.
• Mission-Resource Alignment: Balance the organization's mission with the responsible management of resources and the well-being of employees to ensure sustainable and effective operations.
• Organizational Structure: Establish and maintain an effective administrative structure to support the program's operational needs, focusing on continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Staff Supervision: Directly supervise deputy directors, managing attorneys, and senior staff, ensuring clear communication of duties and performance expectations.
• Training and Development: Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive training programs for attorneys and staff, enhancing skills and competencies.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization, ensuring these values are reflected in hiring practices and workplace culture.
• Workplace Environment: Promote a safe and affirming workplace for all staff members, ensuring compliance with employment laws and best practices.
• Branch Office Oversight: Collaborate with Deputy Directors to oversee branch office operations, ensuring effective training, supervision, and resource allocation for managing attorneys and staff.
• Regulatory Compliance and Public Administration: Ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards in all operational aspects of NHPD. Work closely with oversight agencies and participate actively in public administration.

Financial Management and Funding:

With Director of Finance, Finance Committee, and/or Board:

• Budget Planning: Develop and manage the program's budget in collaboration with the Board and Finance Committee, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and compliance with funding requirements.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board, Judicial Council, and legislative bodies, maintaining transparency in all financial operations.
• Audit and Financial Compliance: Supervise the Director of Finance in maintaining accounting operations, preparing for annual audits, and managing necessary insurance programs.
• Compensation and Benefits: Set equitable compensation structures for staff within budgetary constraints and engage in negotiations with the State Employees Association and other unions as necessary.

Advocacy and Relationship Management:

• Judicial Council Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the Judicial Council, providing program insights and negotiating contracts to benefit the program's mission.
• Legislative Engagement: Actively engage with legislative committees, providing information and support that enhances the public defense system and supports the needs of the program.
• Union Relations and Negotiations: Foster collaborative relationships with union representatives to advocate for the rights of staff, negotiate fair working conditions, and develop initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction and program effectiveness.
• External Relations: Participate in committees and advocacy efforts related to public defense and criminal justice reform.

Board Collaboration:

• Policy Recommendations: Propose necessary changes to program policies and procedures based on performance assessments and emerging needs.
• Board Support: Seek advice and support from the Board as necessary to fulfill the program's mission and goals.
• Reporting: Regularly report to the Board of Directors on operational matters, financial performance, and the achievement of strategic goals.

Candidate Profile

As a strong candidate for the Executive Director position, you will demonstrate many - though perhaps not all - of the following skills, experiences, and characteristics:

• Proven experience providing visionary leadership and effective management, preferably in a non-profit or legal environment, with the ability to inspire and motivate others in a challenging context.
• A law degree (JD) is preferred; other relevant advanced degree (e.g. MBA) and substantial management experience also considered.
• Significant experience with the criminal justice system, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality representation for indigent clients.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process and public administration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a variety of constituents through various formats.
• Ability to think strategically and innovatively, taking ownership of challenges to drive impactful solutions and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated success with financial management of a complex organization.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $170,000 to $180,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package is included, featuring New Hampshire State Plan health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Contact

Cassie Scarano and Ariella Pasackow of Koya Partners are partnering with us on this search. To express your interest in this role, please submit your materials here. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. As an equal opportunity employer, the New Hampshire Public Defender is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other protected category in our employment conditions or hiring practices.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.

To apply, visit: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/21763 jeid-c64d6dcb4c87471aab601994ebc63fa6