The North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents is seeking a Deputy Director to join its administrative office in Jamestown, North Dakota. The position is full-time and offers an annual salary ranging from $132,000 to $156,000. Applications are being accepted until February 4, 2026.
The Commission oversees the public defense system in the state and is governed by a seven-member board appointed by various state entities. The Deputy Director will be responsible for supervising attorneys and defense investigators within the agency, assisting with training programs for contract counsel and public defenders, and contributing to the agency’s budget process and policy priorities. Additional duties include preparing agency reports, developing policies and procedures, representing the agency at community events or court-related committees as authorized by the Executive Director, and staying current on criminal law through ongoing education.
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school, hold or be eligible for a North Dakota law license, and have at least three years of experience practicing criminal law that includes courtroom experience. Skills required include effective communication, analytical abilities, and decision-making skills. Experience in state government management or administration of indigent defense systems is preferred.
According to Team ND, “Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” The organization describes itself as comprising over 7,500 employees across sixty-three agencies with a shared goal of empowering people and improving lives.
The State of North Dakota emphasizes its commitment to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability. The state also prohibits smoking in all places of state employment as mandated by N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
A detailed job posting with application information can be found at https://www.cnd.nd.gov/psc/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=11000&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=3032269&PostingSeq=1.
