HR Strategy Lead: Talent, DEI & Retention

State of Maryland - OPD General Administration; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an HR Administrator III to manage HR programs, lead full-cycle recruitment for legal staff, and drive data-driven retention initiatives across the agency. The role advises executive leadership on DEI compliance and workforce planning, while coordinating training and recognition programs.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 4 years of HR experience, with occasional travel to courtrooms and offices statewide in this dynamic state agency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 4 years of professional HR generalist or specialist experience in recruitment, employee relations, workforce planning, policy formulation, or HR program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a data-driven, agency-wide employee retention strategy across all OPD divisions.
• Lead full-cycle talent acquisition workflows for attorneys, interns, externs, and legal fellows.
• Design stay and exit interviews, focus groups, and climate assessments.
• Maintain recruitment channels with law schools, bar associations, clerkship programs, and public interest groups.
• Monitor and report workforce metrics including turnover and DEI data.
• Coordinate Rule 19-218 requests for out-of-state barred attorneys.
• Align onboarding with training and leadership development with retention milestones.
• Develop agency-wide employee recognition and wellness initiatives.
• Advise leadership on workforce engagement and burnout reduction.
• Represent OPD at career fairs and conferences (occasional evenings/weekends).

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Four (4) years of professional human resources generalist or specialist experience

Job description

Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an HR Administrator III to manage HR programs, lead full-cycle recruitment for legal staff, and drive data-driven retention initiatives across the agency. The role advises executive leadership on DEI compliance and workforce planning, while coordinating training and recognition programs.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 4 years of HR experience, with occasional travel to courtrooms and offices statewide in this dynamic state agency.