Chief Operating Officer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services, the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to provide strategic advice and support to the Chief Counsel on the management of daily operations of the agency. We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the CPCS Senior Management Team (SMT). The COO provides strategic advice and support to the Chief Counsel on the management of daily operations of the agency, while acting as the point of contact between the Chief Counsel and legal and operations staff on all operational issues. The COO scopes, plans, and executes multiple projects that facilitate the Chief Counsel’s leadership objectives, oversees the development and implementation of systems, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient operations of CPCS, and coordinates the successful accomplishment of CPCS goals, while managing a wide variety of competing interests and priorities that are both high profile and on tight timeframes. The COO apprises the Chief Counsel on critical issues, works with senior leaders to identify alternative means for resolving operational issues, and coordinates implementation of solutions. In addition, the COO directs and oversees the Private Attorney Outreach Partners and the Legal Training Department. The Chief Operating Officer reports to the Chief Counsel.

Requirements

Be a member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar with at least 7 years of legal experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills;
5 or more years as a manager supervising staff and/or operational units, or equivalent relevant experience; and,
Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

Nice To Haves

More than 7 years’ experience representing indigent clients in one or more CPCS practice areas;
Extensive knowledge of CPCS legal and operational systems;
Ability to optimize processes and ensure efficient operations;
Financial acumen and proficiency in analyzing data to inform strategic decisions;
Demonstrated experience managing large scale projects and teams;
Experience developing and implementing strategic plans;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and,
Demonstrated ability to manage and implement changes, leading teams and colleagues in a professional manner that leads to positive results.

Responsibilities

Overseeing and supporting agency operations, coordinating projects, facilitating the creation and adoption of new policies and procedures, supporting Facilities on space issues, and acting as the point of contact for manager and staff operational issues;
Overseeing and coordinating agency-wide operational projects that involve multiple divisions;
Overseeing the Legal Training Department which is headed by a Training Chief and includes groups of attorneys leading training in criminal, family regulation, delinquency, and mental health practice areas as well as forensic services and racial equity; as well as professional development of members of legal teams, including social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative assistants.
Overseeing the Private Attorney Outreach Partners who recruit private attorneys to join our various panels of attorneys;
Implementing the agency Staffing Plan, releasing positions, and, in coordination with HR, approving position postings and offers while tracking salary funding availability with the Finance Department;
Collaborating with SMT, supporting and facilitating the development and implementation of strategic plans and agency goals, including but not limited operational workflow, executable succession planning, oversight of staffing plans, and caseloads.
Spearheading improvements to operational efficiencies and resource allocation, including but not limited to technological advancements in case management, process automation, and appropriate AI tools.
Overseeing crisis management polices and processes and communication strategies;
Facilitating, coordinating, and implementing Chief Counsel directives including provision of guidance and support to senior leaders; and,
Other duties as requested or required.