Executive Director, The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel

The OADC is a collaborative agency designed for people who thrive in a team environment. Our ideal candidate will have a background in indigent public defense and be passionate about a team-oriented, holistic defense model. They will be zealous in their commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. The Executive Director must have;

• Been licensed to practice law in the United States for at least five years prior to appointment (C.R.S. § 21-2-102) and be in good standing.
• Must have significant criminal law experience to include criminal defense and/or the defense of indigent criminal and/or youth defense experience, preferably spanning trial, appellate, and post-conviction work.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and an ability to lead and manage large, complex organizations or government agencies, with a strong commitment to equity, social justice, and holistic indigent criminal defense.
• A minimum of 5 years experience supervising employees in a professional setting, including at least a significant amount of experience providing formal training, coaching, or mentoring to other professionals.
• Experience managing significant budgets, including developing, allocating, and monitoring financial resources to align with organizational goals, ensuring compliance, and making strategic adjustments to meet evolving priorities.
• Demonstrated dedication to a client-centered, holistic defense approach, addressing legal, social, and personal factors through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive advocacy and support.
• Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal abilities.

There is a preference for individuals who have;

• The ability to use strategic thinking and analytical skills to identify gaps, prioritize needs, and implement solution-oriented improvements, driving operational efficiency.
• Experience overseeing budget planning, forecasting, and long-term financial sustainability, with the ability to advocate for funding improvements and policy changes to align resources with the agency's mission.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with the finance team in managing a multi-million-dollar budget, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective resource allocation.
• Experience supervising, developing, and advocating for diverse teams, while improving policies, funding structures, and organizational effectiveness.
• Inclusive, informed decision-making skills through cross-level collaboration while leveraging effective conflict management to coach individuals and teams.
• A growth mindset, leveraging subject matter expertise to inspire innovation, promote continuous learning, and navigate challenges with empathy and resilience.
• Exceptional communication skills including strong public speaking, presentations, writing, and active listening.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including EDI, social justice, or leadership education—whether through formal study, lived experience, or ongoing engagement.

If you are offered employment, the following are the conditions of employment:

• Be admitted to the Colorado State Bar within one year of hire, if not already admitted.
• Be a current resident of the State of Colorado or become a resident of the State of Colorado within 30 days of the hire date.
• Be willing to submit to a routine background investigation, including a criminal history check.
• If hired, the Immigration Reform and Control Act requires you to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States within three workdays.