Description
Chief of Staff
- Location
Springfield, Illinois - Office
Office of State Public Defender - Posted Date
October 5, 2026 - Benefits
An attractive benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time. - Salary
$166,332 to $197,520.
The Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) will be created as an independent office within the judicial branch on January 1, 2027. The 2025 FAIR Act, Public Act 104-0300, created the Office to provide for an effective public defense system throughout the State of Illinois. OSPD is charged with implementing uniform standards for trial-level public defense; systematically evaluating local needs and capacity; offering specialized support to local jurisdictions (i.e., investigation, mitigation, and expert witness assistance); and establishing clear and equitable procedures for distributing the Public Defender Fund, among other duties to ensure consistent, equitable, and high-quality defense services.
The Chief of Staff is an executive-level position responsible for ensuring efficient and effective operations of the Office of State Public Defender (OSPD). The Chief of Staff directs the senior management team under the general supervision of the State Public Defender and works with considerable independence, exercising professional judgment.
SALARY, BENEFITS & LOCATION:
The position is located in Springfield, Illinois. This position's headquarter location could change based on future operational needs.
The salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $166,332 to $197,520.
Current Available Shift:
The required working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The State Public Defender, in his or her discretion, may potentially approve a hybrid work schedule.
An attractive benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time. Information about benefits provided by OSPD can be found here:
State Employee General Benefits
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Serves as the Chief of Staff for the Office of State Public Defender to advance the priorities of the State Public Defender, while resolving operational issues as they arise.
- Serves as a confidential advisor to the State Public Defender, acts on behalf of the State Public Defender in his or her absence, and serves as a member of the executive management team.
- Prepares and reviews the Office’s budget.
- Makes hiring and personnel determinations in consultation with the State Public Defender.
- Oversees the organizational development and operation of the OSPD, including organizational structure and physical space management.
- Prepares briefings, reports, and correspondence, frequently of a highly confidential nature, on behalf of the State Public Defender.
- Directs and oversees the development and implementation of policy objectives and strategic planning, and monitors progress toward accomplishment of long-term and short-term plans.
- Reviews systems, processes, and other key metrics to monitor OSPD operations, and evaluates strategies to increase efficiency and output.
- Provides senior managers with actionable recommendations and consultation for improvement.
- Serves as a supervisor by providing instructions, setting expectations, observing performance, providing feedback through ongoing and annual performance evaluations, participating in the hiring process, and recommending corrective or disciplinary action when necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- Twelve years of progressively responsible experience in state or local government or business administration.
- Five years of supervisory experience.
- Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or Master’s Degree in public administration, public policy, business administration, or a related field.
- Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
- Three years of experience as a manager with two or more levels of professional staff under his or her administrative direction or control.
- Two years of experience directing operational staff of at least 25 people.
- Experience in an agency, organization or firm providing direct legal services to indigent people in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile delinquency defense, or abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Effective oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules.
- Ability to positively and professionally interact with co-workers.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including planning and priority setting, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and analytic and interpretive skills.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
WORKING CONDITIONS/STRUCTURE:
- Ability to sit for extended time periods.
- Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.
- Ability to travel, including overnight stays, as required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested individuals should submit a resume here. All jobs vacancy announcements and application links are also available here or at www.ilosps.gov/join-our-team.
A judicial branch application is not required to apply, but it will be required before final hiring decisions are made. The application can be downloaded from the Illinois Courts website here.
This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by November 6, 2026, will be given first consideration.
Any questions about this position or the application process can be submitted via email at the following address: HR@ilosps.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
