Demo

Public Defender Operations Manager

Kent County
Grand Rapids, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 4/10/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/24/2026
Kent County is actively seeking a professional individual to join our team as Operations Manager to provide essential administrative and grant-related support to the Deputy Public Defender – Administration within the Public Defender’s Office.  The successful candidate will perform a variety of functions including grant management and financial reporting.  

Responsibilities
  • Assist and support senior staff with the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
  • Plan and carry out administrative and information studies related to statistical recordkeeping, research, and compilations of informational data. 
  • Maintain policies and procedures in accordance with legislation and County practices. 
  • Develop procedures for operation of the Office as well as administrative structure to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services. 
  • Work with trial division staff to create the annual compliance plan and cost analysis, as well as the County budget for the program. 
  • Monitor and maintain budget, consult with Fiscal Services Department when budget adjustments are needed. Review invoices and bills for payment. Monitor the status of accounts. 
  • Assists in public records/records retention issues, FOIA requests, and/or subpoena processing. 
  • Provides direct supervision for subordinate professional and support staff.
  • Attend training sessions to stay current on legal issues and update administrative documentation regarding public defender requirements and other legal matters. 
  • Work closely with the Deputy Public Defender – Administration and other staff to handle appointments of cases, both to the Office and roster attorneys.
Possession of a bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in supervision or management, or equivalent education and experience. Prefer experience in managing grants, including reporting. Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s License.

Other desirable knowledge and skills:
  • Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal law administration, particularly as it relates to the defense of clients, investigations, research, data analysis, and report preparation techniques.
  • Computer literacy including working knowledge of case management software, spreadsheet, and database management.
  • Thorough working knowledge of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards, compliance planning, and financial reporting.
  • Possession of a Juris Doctor and/or courses in business management and/or criminal law.
Please monitor the email address you included on your employment application for communications related to your application.  

Don't take our word for it that Kent County is a great place to work and thrive. Watch this video on why our staff have made us their employer of choice.



Salary : $89,106 - $101,349

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Kent County

  • Kent County Grand Rapids, MI
  • Are you passionate about the environment and ready to help with the Department of Public Works environmental initiatives? We are looking for a Resources Re... more
  • Just Posted

  • Kent County Grand Rapids, MI
  • The successful candidate will provide excellent customer service, be detail oriented and have good technical skills which will be used to provide guidance ... more
  • Just Posted


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Public Defender Operations Manager jobs in the Grand Rapids, MI area that may be a better fit.

  • Ionia County Public Defender Office Ionia, MI
  • About us Ionia County Public Defender Office was created in September 2018 and we provide legal representation to all indigent criminal defendants charged ... more
  • Just Posted

  • Allegan County Government Allegan, MI
  • Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to be... more
  • 9 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!