Recruitment and Engagement Specialist

OPD is seeking a dynamic Recruitment and Engagement Specialist to oversee and strengthen our hiring, onboarding, talent development, and engagement initiatives.

The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered team model that puts the client first and takes a 360-degree approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; social workers; client, youth and parent advocates; investigators, and administrators all working together for equal justice for our clients, their families, our community, and a better New Orleans. In short, we protect innocence, defend the constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable.

Position Overview

The candidate we seek is:

• Relentless. Having the determination and grit to keep working on a problem as new challenges emerge, while maintaining the flexibility to adjust plans or strategies as needed.
• No task is too big or too small. No hesitation in getting in the weeds and work at the lowest level of detail, but just as comfortable thinking long-term and big-picture.
• Data-Driven & Results-Oriented. Knowledgeable in using data to guide decisions, constantly seeking ways to refine and enhance the work.
• Empathetic Communicator. Build rapport quickly with both candidates, hiring committee and hiring supervisors, delivering clear communication at every stage of the hiring process.
• Community Engaging. Ability to network, build relationships and foster partnerships with community, law schools, colleges and organizations to generate qualified and diverse candidates. Embraces the incomparable spirit of our city – where culture runs deep, community ties are strong, and the work of securing equal justice is vital to our future.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the recruitment and hiring of all new team members - attorneys, investigators, administrative staff, client advocates, social workers, law clerks, interns, etc.
• Oversee candidates through the selection process and provide timely, clear communication about their status in the process.
• Manage OPD’s hiring committee.
• Develop and implement effective recruitment practices that will attract a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates for each role.
• Maintain and analyze recruitment data to optimize hiring strategies and streamline recruiting processes.
• Strengthen current onboarding process to include establishing and tracking new employee goals and performance measures in conjunction with the new employee’s supervisor.
• Coordinate with Deputy Chief and Training Director the implementation of a unified talent development and initial training program for all new staff members.
• Set up and implement software to manage and streamline HR processes.
• Complete other HR tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience – either in a public defender, law, government, or non-profit office or relevant hiring and human resources experience.
• Proven people skills that will help with recruitment and engagement.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated experience with or ability to learn HRIS and/or Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Commitment to OPD’s vision and mission.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards.

Compensation

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. Salary range is $50,000-$85,000, with starting salary commensurate with experience and skills. OPD also offers a generous benefit package, which begins on the first day of employment. It includes:

• Employee Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverages (Employer Paid)
• Employee Life & AD&D policy (Employer Paid) with options to buy-up
• Retirement Plan Contributions (Employer contribution up to 6% of employee salary)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Paid Vacation, Sick, and Parental Leave
• Holidays Paid (Federal, State, and Orleans Courts observed)
• Discount Plan (no cost)

To Apply

Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position,
• Resume,
• Three (3) Professional references.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

OPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information.

Orleans Public Defenders' policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of our hiring process. If an accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources, 504-821-8101 or Recruit@opdla.org.