Chief Administrator

The Chief Administrator is the administrative and operational leader of the Minnesota Board of Public Defense, overseeing the administrative, financial, human resources, and operational functions that support public defense services statewide. Working with the State Public Defender, Chief Public Defenders, managing attorneys, and other leaders, the Chief Administrator translates Board priorities into effective policies, procedures, and practices while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.

The position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and political and organizational awareness to balance statewide responsibilities with the operational needs of individual public defender offices. Examples of Duties Executive Leadership and Statewide Operations Direct and oversee the operations of the Administrative Services Office (ASO), providing leadership and supervision to department directors and staff. Establish organizational priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures.

Ensure administrative services, systems, and standards effectively support district and appellate public defender offices, balancing statewide consistency with each office's operational needs. Work with the State Public Defender, Chief District Public Defenders, Chief Appellate Defender, and managing attorneys to identify needs and resolve operational challenges. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve statewide administrative operations.

Evaluate staffing, facilities, equipment, and resource needs. Oversee contracts, procurement, facilities management, records management, and other administrative functions. Communicate administrative decisions, organizational priorities, and policy changes throughout the organization. Board Governance and Support Attend all meetings of the Minnesota Board of Public Defense as a nonvoting member. Ensure implementation and enforcement of Board resolutions, rules, regulations, and orders.

Provide the Board and State Public Defender with plans, studies, reports, and recommendations concerning the administration of the public defense system. Recommend policies, procedures, and rules necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Board. Financial and Budgetary Management Oversee the development, preparation, and administration of the statewide public defense budget, including financial forecasts and long-term budget strategies.

Keep the Board fully informed regarding the financial condition of the organization. Monitor expenditures, appropriations, and available resources, and recommend resource allocation strategies to address changing operational needs. Oversee accounting, purchasing, payroll, financial reporting, and internal financial controls. Ensure compliance with state financial policies, legislative appropriations, and fiscal requirements, and oversee responses to audits and financial reviews.

Human Resources and Labor Relations Provide executive oversight of statewide human resources functions, including recruitment, retention, classification, compensation, leave administration, and workforce planning. Ensure consistent and equitable application of personnel policies and employment practices. Lead or oversee collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the Board and maintain effective relationships with labor organizations and employee representatives.

Address complex personnel matters and provide guidance to management regarding employee relations. Promote a workplace culture that values employee development, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Information Technology Provide executive oversight of statewide information technology operations, working with the Information Systems Director to establish priorities and address statewide technology needs. Ensure technology systems meet the operational and security needs of public defender offices, including data security, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.

Legislative and Government Relations Work with the Board and State Public Defender on legislative budget requests and administrative initiatives. Monitor proposed legislation affecting the Board's administrative and operational responsibilities. Serve as a liaison with the Legislature, Minnesota Management and Budget, state agencies, and other governmental entities, representing the administrative interests of the Board.

Policy, Compliance, and Accountability Develop, recommend, and implement administrative policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and employment requirements. Establish internal controls, identify operational risks, and monitor administrative performance to drive improvements. Qualifications Strong executive leadership and organizational management skills. Excellent financial management and strategic budgeting abilities.

Knowledge of public-sector administration, governmental operations, employment practices, and labor relations, including collective bargaining. Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate policies and organizational procedures. Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities, including identifying organizational weaknesses and implementing meaningful improvements.

Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in complex situations. Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse groups of employees and stakeholders. Commitment to public service, accountability, and the mission of public defense. Supplemental Information Education Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, finance, organizational leadership, or a related field.

Master’s degree in business administration or finance preferred. Experience Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in executive leadership or public-sector management, including oversight of multiple administrative functions. Considerable experience developing and administering large budgets and managing public resources. Considerable experience supervising managers and professional staff. Considerable experience with labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources, and employee relations.

Considerable experience working within government agencies or other complex public-sector organizations preferred.