Justice Program Supervisor

Final date to receive applications

3/14/2026 (7:00 PM EST)

26-00714

Justice Program Supervisor

Pay Grade

16

Salary

$52,283.52 - $78,425.28 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

5 Mill Creek Park
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is seeking a dynamic Recruiting Program Supervisor to be the lead recruiter for the Kentucky state-wide public defender system, employing creative solutions to attract lawyers to our high‑paced agency. 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 their clients both in and outside the courtroom

This is a critical leadership role that directly impacts our ability to provide exceptional legal services to those in need. You will collaborate with agency leaders to design and implement creative, nation‑wide recruitment strategies that attract passionate advocates to Kentucky.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategize and 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 and 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 and 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 and Expand:
  Collaborate with and organize current DPA employees to assist with and increase the capacity of recruiting events.

Required Qualifications

• 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 Microsoft Office Suite and applicant tracking systems (or a demonstrated ability to learn new software quickly).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in legal recruiting, university career services, professional placement, or a similar field.
• Knowledge of the criminal legal system and a demonstrated passion for public interest law and social justice.
• Prior experience supervising or leading staff.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR

SKILLS:

Four years of professional experience in any operation or program within the field of corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, juvenile justice, or a related field.
Substitute EDUCATION for

EXPERIENCE:

A master's degree in a field related to the experience areas listed above will substitute for two years of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for

EDUCATION:

Experience in probation work and/or parole work, corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, or in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program or any combination of the above will substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. Current or prior military experience will substitute for the required college on a year‑for‑year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE Working Conditions

Incumbents working in this job title primarily perform duties in an office setting. Travel is required.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Melanie Foote te or .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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