Public Defender

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced Public Defender to lead the Office of the Public Defender. The role requires extensive experience as a Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender, and a track record in leadership and strategic thinking.

The Public Defender will oversee all legal services and operations, liaise with the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors, and engage with county departments, the District Attorney’s Office, Probation

Qualifications

• Significant experience as Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender.
• Experience leading a public defender office and managing a team.
• Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, organizational development, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, management, and oversight of the Office of the Public Defender, including legal services and operations.
• Serve as liaison to County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors, and interact with county departments and external agencies.
• Lead cross-departmental and community initiatives focused on system improvement, diversion, rehabilitation, and whole-person care.

Job description

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.

As the head of the Office of the Public Defender, this position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and oversight of the department’s full range of legal services and operations. The Public Defender serves as the primary liaison to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors and represents 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.

The successful candidate will be a respected leader and collaborative partner within Santa Barbara County’s criminal justice system. The Public Defender will actively participate in cross-departmental and community-based initiatives focused on system improvement, criminal justice innovation, diversion and rehabilitation efforts, and whole-person care strategies. Success in this role requires the ability to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and effectively advance both departmental and County-wide priorities.

In addition to legal expertise and leadership experience, the ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of public-sector budgeting and finance, organizational development, performance management, accountability systems, and strategic project implementation. The County seeks a leader who demonstrates the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment, while valuing collaboration, respect for governance structures, transparency, humility, and service-oriented leadership.