Join us as the Recruiting Program Supervisor at the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) which is located in Frankfort, KY. This position will include extensive travel, regionally and nationally.
About the Department of Public Advocacy:
The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is committed to defending the constitutional rights of our clients by providing them with zealous, high-quality legal representation. We believe that equal access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair society. Our team is composed of passionate, dedicated professionals who fight for the indigent clients both in and outside the courtroom.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Recruiting Program Supervisor to be the architect of our legal talent pipeline. In a high-paced, high-turnover environment, this role is not just about filling positions – it’s about building a sustainable, mission-driven team of future public defenders. You will collaborate with agency leaders to design and implement creative, nation-wide recruitment strategies that attract passionate advocates to Kentucky. This is a critical leadership role that directly impacts our ability to provide exceptional legal services to those in need.
What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):
- Strategize & Innovate: Develop and execute a comprehensive national recruitment strategy to attract law students and attorneys, addressing the unique challenges of a public defender agency.
- Lead & Mentor: Supervise and guide a recruiting team of 1-2 staff members, overseeing their work on events, travel logistics, advertising, and candidate communication.
- Build Relationships: Act as the primary ambassador for KY DPA on law school campuses across the country. Forge and maintain strong relationships with career services offices, student organizations, faculty, and potential applicants.
- Travel with Purpose: Dedicate up to 10 weeks per year to travel, representing the agency at job fairs, on-campus interviews, and networking events to build a robust candidate pipeline.
- Collaborate & Adapt: Work closely with agency leadership to understand evolving staffing needs. Implement changes and refine strategies based on feedback and performance data.
- Manage the Process: Oversee the full-cycle recruiting process, from advertising and sourcing to interviewing, selection, and initial on-boarding coordination.
- Collaborate & Expand: Collaborate with and organize current DPA employees to assist with and increase the capacity of recruiting events.
Who We’re Looking For (Qualifications):
Required:
- A highly organized and collaborative professional with a proven ability to manage complex projects and logistics.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with an aptitude for public speaking and relationship building.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 10 weeks annually)
- A deep commitment to learning and understanding the mission and unique needs of public defense.
- Proficiency with technology, including MS Office Suite and applicant tracking systems (or a demonstrated ability to learn new software quickly).
Desired:
- Experience in legal recruiting, university career services, professional placement, or a similar field.
- Knowledge of the criminal legal system and/or a demonstrated passion for public interest law and social justice.
- Prior experience supervising or leading staff.
Why Join Us?
- Make a Tangible Impact: Your work directly strengthens the front lines of justice in Kentucky.
- Leadership Opportunity: Shape the recruiting function of a statewide agency.
- Passionate Team: Join a community of fiercely dedicated colleagues who believe in the mission.