Executive Director — Durham, NC at New York State

About the Mission

North Carolina's courts work daily to provide safety for communities, prosperity for the economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that form the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. The North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS) was created by the General Assembly in 2000 to oversee the provision of legal representation to indigent defendants and others entitled to counsel at state expense. The agency is dedicated to ensuring that justice is administered without favor, denial, or delay.

About the Role

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the IDS, managing and directing the agency as a statewide leader in public defense. Appointed by the IDS Commission for a four-year term, the Director exercises broad administrative, fiscal, and policy leadership. This role acts as the primary advocate for IDS's interests before the General Assembly, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the judiciary, the indigent defense community, and the public.

The primary purpose of the position is the expansion, maintenance, improvement, and oversight of systems for providing quality and cost-effective legal representation in all cases where indigent people are entitled to state-paid representation. The Director will lead strategic planning, manage a budget exceeding $172 million, drive technology modernization, and establish policies that advance the public defense system across North Carolina.

Hiring Process

Applicants must complete a fully detailed online application via the official portal; mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Resumes alone are not sufficient and must be accompanied by a cover letter that addresses the applicant's vision for public defense in North Carolina and relevant experience.

Candidates selected for interviews should anticipate the interview process occurring during the latter part of June and July. Specific dates will be provided to selected candidates as soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer dedicated to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Work location

Work model: On-site

577, Mallard Avenue, Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, 27701, United States

Durham, North Carolina

Key Responsibilities

check_circleDevelop and implement a long-term strategic plan for the Indigent Defense Services agency
check_circleProvide strategic direction for technology infrastructure including case management and attorney compensation systems
check_circleAssist the Commission in developing rules, policies, qualification standards, and workload guidelines
check_circleIdentify research and development areas to advance the public defense system in North Carolina
check_circleAdvocate for the agency's budgetary and legislative needs before the General Assembly and other stakeholders
check_circleManage and oversee a budget exceeding $172 million while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds
check_circleRecruit, supervise staff, and establish personnel policies consistent with applicable laws and agency values

Requirements

verifiedJuris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
verifiedActive license to practice law in North Carolina
verifiedAt least seven (7) years of experience in the defense of criminal or other cases subject to the Indigent Defense Services Act

Nice to Have

Proven commitment to quality indigent defense representation, experience in the preparation, administration, and oversight of a significant budget, or demonstrated collaboration with a financial officer.

Company

New York State Unified Court System

Industry

Administration of Justice

Open Roles

Deliver equal justice under the law. Just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts.

The New York State Unified Court System serves as the state’s primary judicial branch, administering the Administration of Justice industry. Headquartered in Albany, New York, the court system is dedicated to ensuring equal justice under the law and facilitating fair, efficient resolution of legal matters across civil, criminal, and family court divisions. Committed to transparency and ethical governance, the organization prioritizes respectful treatment of all individuals who interact with its courts. It upholds a policy of non-discrimination, actively fostering diversity among judicial personnel and court staff to mirror the state’s diverse population. The court system’s operations emphasize accessibility, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles in service of public trust.

Frequently asked questions about IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System

What does a IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System do?expand_more

A IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System is responsible for the following: Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for the Indigent Defense Services agency; Provide strategic direction for technology infrastructure including case management and attorney compensation systems; Assist the Commission in developing rules, policies, qualification standards, and workload guidelines; and Identify research and development areas to advance the public defense system in North Carolina.

What are the requirements for this IDS Executive Director role?expand_more

To qualify for the IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System position, applicants should have: Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school; Active license to practice law in North Carolina; and At least seven (7) years of experience in the defense of criminal or other cases subject to the Indigent Defense Services Act.

Where is the IDS Executive Director role at New York State Unified Court System located?expand_more

IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System is based in 577, Mallard Avenue, Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, 27701, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this IDS Executive Director job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

New York State Unified Court System has listed this IDS Executive Director role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this IDS Executive Director role?expand_more

IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.

What skills do you need for the IDS Executive Director role at New York State Unified Court System?expand_more

Key skills for IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System include Strategic Planning; Budget Development; Fiscal Oversight; Legislative Relations; Bill Analysis; Data Analysis; Case Management; and Discovery Tools.

What category does the IDS Executive Director role belong to?expand_more

IDS Executive Director at New York State Unified Court System is part of the legal job category on Recrutus.

About New York State Unified Court System

Browse more roles: All New York State Unified Court System jobs, legal jobs on Recrutus.

IDS Executive Director