Administrative Officer

Defender Services Office Training Division; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is seeking an Administrative Officer to manage operations across multiple locations. This role involves overseeing administration, ensuring compliance, and supporting a diverse workforce dedicated to holistic criminal defense. The ideal candidate is organized, ethical, and committed to public service.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Retirement Options

Paid Leave

Accommodations for Disabilities

Qualifications

• Experience or knowledge in financial management and federal policies is required.
• Organized and proactive work style preferred.
• Commitment to diversity and high-quality public service expected.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations, process improvements, and strategic planning.
• Supervise staff and oversee administrative and financial operations.
• Handle budget management, financial operations, and fiscal audits.

Skills

Trustworthiness

Good Judgment

Financial Management

Administrative Leadership

Job description

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Administrative Officer with a start date in mid-September 2025.

The Administrative Officer manages the administration and operations across three office locations (Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown), overseeing 50+ staff and interns, supporting the office’s mission of providing diligent, zealous, and holistic criminal defense representation.

Responsibilities include:

1. Advising on office administration, management, and policy compliance.
2. Managing day-to-day operations, process improvements, and strategic planning.
3. Supervising staff responsible for administrative, financial, and human resources.
4. Developing internal controls for financial and operational integrity.
5. Handling budget management, financial operations, and fiscal audits.
6. Providing human resources support, including hiring, evaluations, and staff development.
7. Overseeing procurement and property management, including GSA interactions.
8. Travel to Erie and Johnstown offices, and occasional out-of-district travel for conferences.

Qualifications include trustworthiness, good judgment, commitment to diversity, and experience or knowledge in financial management, federal policies, and administrative leadership. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, ethical, and dedicated to high-quality public service.

Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement options, paid leave, and accommodations for disabilities. We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, especially from BIPOC communities and those affected by the criminal legal system.

Application process: submit a single PDF with cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [e-mail]. Initial interviews are scheduled for July 2-7, 2025, with second-round assessments on July 10-11, 2025.