Public Defender Operations Manager

Salary: $89,106.00 - $ Annually
Location : Kent County Office of the Public Defender 250 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Office of Public Defender
Opening Date: 02/20/2026
Closing Date: 3/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Responsibilities
Kent County is actively seeking a professional individual to join our team as Operations Manager to provide essential administrative and grant-related support to the Deputy Public Defender - Administration within the Public Defender's Office. The successful candidate will perform a variety of functions including grant management and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support senior staff with the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
• Plan and carry out administrative and information studies related to statistical recordkeeping, research, and compilations of informational data.
• Maintain policies and procedures in accordance with legislation and County practices.
• Develop procedures for operation of the Office as well as administrative structure to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Work with trial division staff to create the annual compliance plan and cost analysis, as well as the County budget for the program.
• Monitor and maintain budget, consult with Fiscal Services Department when budget adjustments are needed. Review invoices and bills for payment. Monitor the status of accounts.
• Assists in public records/records retention issues, FOIA requests, and/or subpoena processing.
• Attend training sessions to stay current on legal issues and update administrative documentation regarding public defender requirements and other legal matters.
• Work closely with the Deputy Public Defender - Administration and other staff to handle appointments of cases, both to the Office and roster attorneys.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a Juris Doctor (with preferable courses in business management and/or criminal law), with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in supervision or management, or equivalent education and experience. Experience in managing grants, including reporting. Must possess valid Michigan Driver's License.

Other required knowledge and skills

• Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal law administration, particularly as it relates to the defense of clients, investigations, research, data analysis, and report preparation techniques.
• Computer literacy including working knowledge of case management software, spreadsheet, and database management.
• Thorough working knowledge of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards, compliance planning, and financial reporting.

Additional Information

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