HR ADMINISTRATOR III (Director of Retention and Recruitment)

October 9, 2026
Baltimore, MD, US
$87,253 – $137,603/yr
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Introduction

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov

The Office of the Public Defender is currently seeking applicants for an Associate Director of Retention and Recruitment position at our Central Human Resources Division, located in Baltimore City, Maryland. The primary responsibility for this role is to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive, data-driven agency-wide retention and attorney recruitment strategies. We are looking for an innovative leader who can build strategic talent pipelines, mitigate workforce attrition, and position OPD as an employer of choice to fulfill its constitutional mandate of client-centered legal defense.

GRADE

STD0020

LOCATION OF POSITION

6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

A Human Resources (HR) Administrator III is a managerial-level professional who works in the administration of HR programs in the State Personnel Management System (SPMS). Professional HR work is characterized by the use of knowledge, discretion, and independent judgment in the interpretation and application of HR laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines to address a variety of administrative activities, problems, issues, and projects. This specialized leadership role operates with broad autonomy under overarching agency objectives to develop and lead full-cycle talent acquisition workflows, execute data-driven retention interventions, and act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership regarding organizational climate, EEO/DEI compliance, and workforce planning.

POSITION DUTIES

  • Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a data-driven, agency-wide employee retention strategy across all OPD divisions.
  • Lead full-cycle talent acquisition workflows (recruitment, screening, interviewing, and onboarding) for attorneys, law student interns, externs, and legal fellows.
  • Design and administer systematic stay and exit interviews, focus groups, and organizational climate assessments.
  • Build and maintain active recruitment channels and strategic pipelines with law schools, bar associations, clerkship programs, and public interest affinity groups.
  • Monitor, track, and present executive reports on workforce metrics, including turnover, time-to-fill, and DEI data.
  • Administer Rule 19-218 requests for out-of-state barred attorneys.
  • Partner with the Director of Training to align onboarding, mentorship, leadership development, and continuing professional education with agency retention milestones.
  • Develop and coordinate agency-wide employee recognition, wellness, resilience, and morale initiatives.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defenders, and District Public Defenders regarding workforce engagement, structural interventions to reduce burnout, and emerging workforce trends.
  • Represent OPD at career fairs, conferences, and networking events (occasional evening/weekend work required).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Four (4) years of professional human resources generalist or specialist experience involving recruitment and employment, employee relations, workforce planning, policy formulation, or HR program evaluation.

Notes

  1. Additional professional HR management experience or paraprofessional personnel work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
  2. Graduate credit hours (30 credits) in HR management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Psychology, or related fields may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.
  3. U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in HR management classifications may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proven experience designing, implementing, and evaluating full-cycle recruitment strategies and talent pipeline programs.
  • Extensive experience in employee retention, including conducting stay/exit interviews, deploying organizational climate surveys, and analyzing workforce metrics.
  • Demonstrated success establishing strategic partnerships with law schools, bar associations, or professional affinity groups to recruit highly qualified legal professionals.
  • Experience developing and overseeing corporate wellness, employee recognition, or structured professional mentorship programs.
  • Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices in talent acquisition and workforce planning.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification are required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System (SPMS) policies and procedures and in the functionality of the Statewide Personnel System (SPS) within six (6) months from the time of appointment, with recertification required every six (6) months thereafter.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online Applications and Resumes Preferred. Please fax all paper applications, resumes and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.

Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling Janynee Bailey-Covington, janynee.bailey-covington@maryland.gov (410) 767-8497, toll-free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#), and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#), and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the state personnel website. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.