Deputy Director (Chief Human Resources Officer)

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a dedicated and experienced human resources leader to fill the role of Director of Human Resources. The position will plan, direct, and oversee all activities of the Human Capital Management Department which serves 210 permanent employees in 6 different work sites. The work includes supervising a team of HR professionals, developing and implementing HR strategies, and providing guidance on talent management, classification and compensation, workforce planning, EEO and ADA, benefits, payroll, and labor relations.

Key Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Serve as an advisor to agency leadership. Contribute to agency planning and decision-making as a member of leadership committees. Serve as a key advisor to the Deputy Director of Administration on HR matters. Contribute to biennial budget planning and work closely with Fiscal and Office Services regarding staffing and positions. Liaison with DAS HRD and Governor’s Office.
• Develop and implement HR strategies to support the agency's mission and goals.
• Lead and supervise a 5-person HR team.
• Provide guidance to agency leadership on talent acquisition, classification and compensation, labor relations, benefits, payroll, onboarding, and records.
• Oversee the development and implementation of department procedures and contribute to the development of agency policies.
• Analyze contract, legislative, and regulatory changes affecting personnel.
• Ensure department programs and practices support the agency’s mission, comply with state and federal statutes, civil service laws, administrative rules and collective bargaining agreements, and promote a productive, inclusive, and engaged workforce.
• Oversee talent acquisition and recruitment, employee relations, classification and compensation, payroll and benefits administration, performance management, workforce planning, and HCM operations.
• Manage Human Resource Information Systems integrity, reporting, analytics, and security. Analyze proposed legislation and administrative rules. Provide technical advice and training to management staff and others on personnel matters.
• Plan, direct, and administer activities and initiatives related to Talent Acquisition and Onboarding/Orientation, Classification and Compensation, Performance Management, and Workforce and Succession Planning.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• In your application, please upload and attach a resume and cover letter. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be reviewed.**
  
  

Target compensation for this position is $110,000 - $130,000.

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.

Qualifications: Education &/or experience in human resources. Preferred qualifications: At least 5 years of experience in a senior HR role; At least 1.5 years of experience leading an HR team; Extensive knowledge in employee relations and the laws, rules, and policies governing state employment and compliance.

Job Skills: Human Resources; Management; Verbal & Written Communication; Establishing Relationships; Critical Thinking; Strategic Thinking.

Organization

Public Defender Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information

Tamra Meister, tamra.meister@opd.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Jul 19, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$54,974 - $193,648

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

Professional Skills

Critical Thinking, Establishing Relationships, Strategic Thinking, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Agency Overview

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

Our Mission :Advocating. Fighting. Helping.

Our Vision :A Fair Justice System.

Our Values :Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community.

We are committed to building a work environment where all team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public in our pursuit of fairness and justice for all people.

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