Deputy Director (Chief Human Resources Officer)

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor to agency leadership.
• Contribute to agency planning and decision-making as a member of leadership committees.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Deputy Director of Administration on HR matters.
• Contribute to biennial budget planning and work closely with Fiscal and Office Services regarding staffing and positions.
• Liaison with DAS HRD and Governor’s Office.

Develop and Implement HR Strategies

• Support the agency's mission and goals.
• Lead and supervise a 5-person HR team.
• Provide guidance to agency leadership on talent acquisition, classification and compensation, labor relations, benefits, payroll, onboarding, and records.
• Oversee the development and implementation of department procedures and contribute to the development of agency policies.
• Analyze contract, legislative, and regulatory changes affecting personnel.
• Ensure department programs and practices support the agency’s mission, comply with state and federal statutes, civil service laws, administrative rules and collective bargaining agreements, and promote a productive, inclusive, and engaged workforce.
• Oversee talent acquisition and recruitment, employee relations, classification and compensation, payroll and benefits administration, performance management, workforce planning, and HCM operations.
• Manage Human Resource Information Systems integrity, reporting, analytics, and security.
• Analyze proposed legislation and administrative rules.
• Provide technical advice and training to management staff and others on personnel matters.
• Plan, direct, and administer activities and initiatives related to Talent Acquisition and Onboarding/Orientation, Classification and Compensation, Performance Management, and Workforce and Succession Planning.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Education &/or experience in human resources.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: At least 5 years of experience in a senior HR role; At least 1.5 years of experience leading an HR team; Extensive knowledge in employee relations and the laws, rules, and policies governing state employment and compliance.

Job Skills

• Human Resources
• Management
• Verbal & Written Communication
• Establishing Relationships
• Critical Thinking
• Strategic Thinking

Organization

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

Our Mission

Advocating. Fighting. Helping.

Our Vision

A Fair Justice System.

Our Values

• Compassion
• Dignity
• Equity
• Intregrity
• Service
• Community

Pay

Target compensation for this position is $110,000 - $130,000.

Benefits

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.

Contact

Organization Contact Name and Information: Tamra Meister, tamra.meister@opd.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Jul 20, 2026, 3:59:00 AM