Chief Administrative Officer – Public Defense

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chief Administrator at the Minnesota Board of Public Defense leads statewide administrative, financial, HR, and IT operations, translating board priorities into policies and practices while stewarding public resources. You will work with the State Public Defender and senior leaders to balance statewide needs with local office requirements.

This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and political awareness; you will oversee ASO, budgeting, procurement, personnel, and governance,

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in executive leadership or public-sector management.
• Experience developing and administering large budgets and managing public resources.
• Experience supervising managers and professional staff.
• Experience with labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources, and employee relations.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse groups of employees and stakeholders.
• Commitment to public service, accountability, and the mission of public defense.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the operations of the Administrative Services Office.
• Establish organizational priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
• Ensure administrative services support district and appellate offices statewide.
• Collaborate with the State Public Defender and leaders to resolve operational challenges.
• Develop and implement statewide administrative strategic initiatives.
• Evaluate staffing, facilities, equipment, and resources.
• Oversee contracts, procurement, facilities, records, and internal controls.
• Communicate administrative decisions and policy changes across the organization.
• Attend Board meetings as a nonvoting member; enforce resolutions.
• Provide plans, studies, and recommendations on administration.
• Oversee statewide budget development, forecasts, and long-term plans.
• Ensure compliance with state financial policies and audits.
• Provide executive HR oversight: recruitment, pay, leave, planning.
• Lead collective bargaining and labor relations.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accountable culture.
• Oversee statewide IT with security and disaster recovery focus.
• Monitor legislation and coordinate with agencies.
• Develop and enforce administrative policies and procedures.
• Establish internal controls and monitor risks.
• Demonstrate leadership, problem solving, and strategic thinking.

Skills

Executive leadership

Organizational management

Budget management

Communication

Strategic planning

Labor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, finance, organizational leadership, or related field

Master’s degree in business administration or finance preferred

Job description

The Chief Administrator at the Minnesota Board of Public Defense leads statewide administrative, financial, HR, and IT operations, translating board priorities into policies and practices while stewarding public resources. You will work with the State Public Defender and senior leaders to balance statewide needs with local office requirements.

This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and political awareness; you will oversee ASO, budgeting, procurement, personnel, and governance,