Public Defender

About the role

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender, along with a demonstrated record of leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and oversight of the Office of the Public Defender's full range of legal services and operations.
• Liaison to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors.
• Represent the Office in interactions with County departments, including the District Attorney’s Office and Probation Department, elected officials, community organizations, members of the media, and external agencies and professional associations, including the local bar association.
• Participation in cross-departmental and community-based initiatives focused on system improvement, criminal justice innovation, diversion and rehabilitation efforts, and whole-person care strategies.
• Building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and advancing both departmental and County-wide priorities.

Requirements

• Significant experience as a Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender.
• Demonstrated record of leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to public service.
• Strong knowledge of public-sector budgeting and finance, organizational development, performance management, accountability systems, and strategic project implementation.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Collaborative and service-oriented leadership.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in California.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of supervisory experience.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships.
• Experience with public-sector budgeting and finance.
• Organizational development and performance management experience.
• Strategic project implementation experience.

Benefits

Details on benefits will be provided upon request.

Pay

Details on pay will be provided upon request.

Schedule

Details on schedule will be provided upon request.