Introduction As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is anaffirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to thefull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. All applicants must be able tocommunicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasksin a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in variouspositions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughoutthe state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity andreasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, itsservices, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job applicationprocess or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to theknown applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be consideredfor the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of theposition in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employmentas are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able tooperate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to amotor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonableaccommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.govThe Office of the Public Defender is currently seeking applicants for an Associate Director of Retentionand Recruitment position at our Central Human Resources Division, located inBaltimore City, Maryland. The primary responsibility for this role is todesign, implement, and evaluate comprehensive, data-driven agency-wideretention and attorney recruitment strategies. We are looking for an innovativeleader who can build strategic talent pipelines, mitigate workforce attrition, and position OPD as an employer of choice to fulfill its constitutional mandateof client-centered legal defense. GRADESTD0020LOCATION OF POSITION6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202 Main Purpose of JobA Human Resources (HR) Administrator III is a managerial-level professional who works in the administration of HR programs in the State Personnel Management System (SPMS). Professional HR work is characterized by the use of knowledge, discretion, and independent judgment in the interpretation and application of HR laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines to address a variety of administrative activities, problems, issues, and projects. This specialized leadership role operates with broad autonomy under overarching agency objectives to develop and lead full-cycle talent acquisition workflows, execute data-driven retention interventions, and act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership regarding organizational climate, EEO/DEI compliance, and workforce planning. POSITION DUTIESDevelop, implement, and continuously evaluate a data-driven, agency-wide employee retentionstrategy across all OPD divisions. Lead full-cycle talentacquisition workflows (recruitment, screening, interviewing, and onboarding)for attorneys, law student interns, externs, and legal fellows. Design and administersystematic stay and exit interviews, focus groups, and organizational climateassessments. Build and maintainactive recruitment channels and strategic pipelines with law schools, barassociations, clerkship programs, and public interest affinity groups. Monitor, track, andpresent executive reports on workforce metrics, including turnover, time-to-fill, and DEI data. Administer Rule 19-218requests for out-of-state barred attorneys. Partner with the Director of Training to align onboarding, mentorship, leadership development, and continuing professional education with agency retention milestones. Develop and coordinateagency-wide employee recognition, wellness, resilience, and morale initiatives. Act as a strategicadvisor to the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defenders, and District Public Defenders regarding workforce engagement, structural interventions to reduceburnout, and emerging workforce trends. Represent OPD atcareer fairs, conferences, and networking events (occasional evening/weekendwork required).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college oruniversity.
Experience:
Four (4) years of professional human resources generalistor specialist experience involving recruitment and employment, employeerelations, workforce planning, policy formulation, or HR program evaluation.
Notes:
1. Additional professional HRmanagement experience or paraprofessional personnel work experience may besubstituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the requirededucation.2. Graduate credit hours (30credits) in HR management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Psychology, or related fields may substitute for up to two (2)years of the required experience. 3. U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as acommissioned officer in HR management classifications may substitute on ayear-for-year basis. DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Qualifications:
Proven experiencedesigning, implementing, and evaluating full-cycle recruitment strategies andtalent pipeline programs. Extensive experiencein employee retention, including conducting stay/exit interviews, deployingorganizational climate surveys, and analyzing workforce metrics. Demonstrated successestablishing strategic partnerships with law schools, bar associations, orprofessional affinity groups to recruit highly qualified legal professionals. Experience developingand overseeing corporate wellness, employee recognition, or structuredprofessional mentorship programs. Familiarity withdiversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices in talent acquisition andworkforce planning. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONSEmployees in thisclassification are required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System (SPMS) policies and procedures and in the functionality ofthe Statewide Personnel System (SPS) within six (6) months from the time ofappointment, with recertification required every six (6) months thereafter. Employees in this classification may be assignedduties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned suchduties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid inthe State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information onyour application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closingdate. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successfulcandidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified andplaced on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. EXAMINATION PROCESSThe examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may berequired to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based onyour application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete andaccurate information on your application. Report all experience and educationthat is related to this position.
BENEFITS:
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITSFURTHER INSTRUCTIONSOnline Applications and Resumes Preferred. Please fax all paper applications, resumes and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.Inquiries regardingapplications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office ofthe Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling Janynee Bailey-Covington, janynee.bailey-covington@maryland.gov (410) 767-8497, toll-free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service800-735-2258. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (EasyID#), and job announcement number on anydocumentation to ensure timely processing. Please be sure to include your name, identification number(Easy ID#), and job announcement number on anydocumentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD Stateapplication form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the state personnelwebsite. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who arereflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service toour country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingualcandidates are encouraged to apply. DepartmentOPD General Administration Date Opened 10/8/2026 11:59:00 PMFiling Deadline 10/22/2026 11:59:00 PMSalary$87,253.00 - $137,603.00/year Employment TypeFull-TimeHR Analyst Janynee Covington Work Location Baltimore City
