Municipal Court Program Manager

at  State of Colorado Job Opportunities

DENVER, CO

Are you motivated to correct injustices in Colorado Municipal Courts? The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel (OADC) is looking for an innovative Municipal Courts Program Manager to join our team. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping novel solutions for individuals charged in municipal courts and supporting the attorneys who defend them. Working closely with the Municipal Court Innovations Coordinator, you’ll oversee the operations of two critical programs: one focused on ensuring independent, competent legal representation across the state, and the other providing direct representation in municipalities under contract with the OADC. This position offers a unique opportunity to manage vital administrative duties, solve problems, and contribute to municipal court reform in Colorado. If you are detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about equity in criminal defense, we want to hear from you!

ABOUT US:

The OADC is the legislatively created state agency responsible for providing client services and legal representation for indigent individuals (adults and youth) when the state has charged them with a criminal or delinquent act, and the state public defender’s office has a conflict of interest. Traditionally, the OADC has accomplished this by contracting with over 400 private attorneys and another 500 legal service providers (forensic social workers/clinical advocates, paralegals, investigators, legal researchers, case assistants, etc.) to provide client services on an hourly basis. Our fundamental belief is that good holistic legal defense teams produce good results for our clients.

DESCRIPTION OF JOB

OADC’s role in municipal courts came about as a result of municipal court reform efforts. We ensure that eligible clients charged with a municipal ordinance violation that carry any possibility of incarceration are represented and represented by independent and constitutionally competent counsel. The Municipal Court Program Manager will be an essential part of our two-person team working alongside the Municipal Court Innovations Coordinator to breathe life into these reform efforts.
As the Municipal Courts Program Manager, you will manage the day-to-day operations of two key programs: the Municipal Court Program (MCP) and the Municipal Court Appointed Program (MCAP). The MCP program focuses on evaluating municipal courts across the state to ensure their lawyers are independent and competent. MCAP is our program to provide direct representation in specific municipalities under contract with OADC.

The Municipal Courts Program Manager will be responsible for tasks such as:

• Administer and implement OADC’s municipal court programs, taking ownership of tasks and ensuring timely execution.
• Assist in planning and strategizing initiatives aimed at improving municipal court defense statewide.
• Organize trainings for municipal court defenders.
• Assist with municipal court observations.
• Oversee the coordination and ensure the successful execution of an extensive number of meetings and court observations.
• Identify challenges within municipal court programs and propose innovative solutions.
• Provide regular updates to municipal court contractors and court-appointed counsel, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Utilize tech tools like Airtable or other program management tools to enhance workflows and track program performance.
• Collect and analyze data related to access to counsel and sentencing outcomes.
• Provide administrative support, including managing communications, scheduling, and database updates.
• Stay informed on specific municipal court policies and procedures.
• Stay informed on proposed legislation or changes to municipal ordinances that will impact defense lawyers.
• Collaborate with other OADC programs.

This is a dynamic position where duties will evolve, and the position should anticipate fulfilling some other duties as assigned that are reasonable and necessary to fulfill OADC’s mission.
The OADC is a collaborative agency designed for people who thrive in a team environment. The Municipal Court Program Manager reports to the Municipal Court Innovations Coordinator and will periodically engage with other OADC team members.
This position is primarily remote, with occasional on-site requirements at the Denver office as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SUBSTITUTIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & APPEAL RIGHTS

The OADC is a collaborative agency where teamwork is essential. We seek candidates with an interest in public defense and municipal court reform efforts. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

There is a preference for individuals who are:

• Self-motivated, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Can multi-task and meet short deadlines.
• Have strong analytical skills with experience in program planning and/or statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology to drive program efficiency (Microsoft Office, Sharepoint/One Drive, Teams, Calendly etc.).
• Strong verbal and written communication with a commitment to transparency and honesty.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• A passion for addressing systemic injustices in the criminal legal system.
• Have at least three years of experience in program management, business management, or office management.

It is also helpful, but not necessary, to possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in court observations or paralegal work.
• Expertise in program management technology including, but not limited to Airtable, Adobe Acrobat, Formsite, Loom, and Zapier or other program management technology.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

If you are offered employment, the following are the conditions of employment:

• Be a current resident of the State of Colorado or become a resident of the State of Colorado within 30 days of the hire date;
• Be willing to submit to a routine background investigation, including a criminal history check;
• If hired, the Immigration Reform and Control Act requires you to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States within three workdays.

• Administer and implement OADC’s municipal court programs, taking ownership of tasks and ensuring timely execution.
• Assist in planning and strategizing initiatives aimed at improving municipal court defense statewide.
• Organize trainings for municipal court defenders.
• Assist with municipal court observations.
• Oversee the coordination and ensure the successful execution of an extensive number of meetings and court observations.
• Identify challenges within municipal court programs and propose innovative solutions.
• Provide regular updates to municipal court contractors and court-appointed counsel, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Utilize tech tools like Airtable or other program management tools to enhance workflows and track program performance.
• Collect and analyze data related to access to counsel and sentencing outcomes.
• Provide administrative support, including managing communications, scheduling, and database updates.
• Stay informed on specific municipal court policies and procedures.
• Stay informed on proposed legislation or changes to municipal ordinances that will impact defense lawyers.
• Collaborate with other OADC programs