State of Colorado
Overview
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We are an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees across twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel, by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired, and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals dedicated to our mission who demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We operate in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
How To Apply Please submit your
resume and cover letter
to the attention of Adi Ortiz at
Adilene.Ortiz@coloradodefenders.us
no later than
October 13, 2025 . Highlight your specific interest in working in a criminal public defense system and how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Benefits Of Working For OSPD
6 Health Plans - Kaiser and Cigna options
Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
Dental Insurance
State Paid Life Insurance
State Paid Short-Term Disability
FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
Generous Paid Time Off
11 paid holidays
Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
Colorado PERA
401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Description Of Job GENERAL SUMMARY:
Positions in this class perform advanced administrative support to the State Public Defender, First Assistant, Chief Deputies and other State Office staff. They perform duties under limited supervision, requiring advanced knowledge of administrative policies and procedures, and a general understanding of OSPD activities and operations. These positions routinely handle confidential and sensitive matters, applying a high level of discretion and technical skills, and typically operate with latitude for independent judgment and initiative within established policies and procedures.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities Regional Office Operations/Support
Provides high-level confidential administrative support to the State Public Defender, First Assistant, and Chief Deputies. Screens incoming calls and correspondence; formulates responses; prepares and proofs a variety of correspondence; schedules meetings, maintains calendars, makes travel arrangements, and assists in preparing meeting materials. May attend meetings to take notes. Provides administrative support for the State Office senior management team as needed.
Provides administrative and clerical support during the legislative session including tracking and calendaring bills; compiling data; preparing documents; and accompanying senior management to legislative sessions for notes or administrative support as needed.
Manages administrative files and records such as staffing reports, caseload statistics, organizational charts, mileage records, applicant files, business contacts, and other information relevant to management activities. Prepares standard reports as requested.
Leads and participates in ongoing and special projects to support state office or agency-wide programs, including developing and delivering training for administrative staff, drafting policies and procedures, researching information, and communicating standard administrative activities.
Assists with responding to PAIRR Record Requests, including calendaring, preparing, and logging responses.
Assists in coordinating annual management, fall training and other internal agency conferences, including materials, lodging, meals, travel, and event activities; collaborates with program directors to develop and deliver training programs for administrative staff.
Chairs the awards committee for the annual fall conference.
Performs routine administrative duties to support State Office staff and daily activities, such as scheduling conference rooms, managing state vehicle calendars, travel arrangements, reimbursements, and purchase orders.
Purchases routine and non-routine supplies and equipment within established policies, including state-issued IDs and business cards.
Maintains the intranet site for the State Office, updating content and posting articles and communications from staff; creates content regarding staff, events, or procedures.
Supervises administrative support staff within the State Office, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, and hiring/disciplinary recommendations as needed.
Attends meetings and trainings as required and performs other duties as assigned.
Education And Experience Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Demonstrated success in, and significant experience providing high-level administrative support, including office and performance management.
Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Proven verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in the State Public Defender system.
Licensing Requirements (positions In This Class May Require)
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Knowledge (position Requirements At Entry)
General principals of business administration;
Advanced administrative and clerical procedures and systems; word processing, records management, transcription, forms design, and related office procedures;
Principles and processes in providing quality client and personal services;
Basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
Skills (position Requirements At Entry)
Strong client service focus; maintaining client and office confidentiality;
Leadership to mentor, train, develop and guide others;
Applying and interpreting applicable rules, guidelines, policies and procedures;
Time management for self and others; handling multiple tasks with interruptions;
Ability to work independently; strong written and verbal communication; proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Zoom, intranet and email;
Developing productive working relationships with diverse clients, public, coworkers and supervisors;
Operation of common office tools and equipment;
Ability to convey information clearly and give/receive work direction.
Supplemental Information The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable laws. Reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process, will be assisted. If you require an accommodation, please contact ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
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Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We are an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees across twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel, by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired, and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals dedicated to our mission who demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We operate in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
How To Apply Please submit your
resume and cover letter
to the attention of Adi Ortiz at
Adilene.Ortiz@coloradodefenders.us
no later than
October 13, 2025 . Highlight your specific interest in working in a criminal public defense system and how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Benefits Of Working For OSPD
6 Health Plans - Kaiser and Cigna options
Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
Dental Insurance
State Paid Life Insurance
State Paid Short-Term Disability
FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
Generous Paid Time Off
11 paid holidays
Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
Colorado PERA
401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Description Of Job GENERAL SUMMARY:
Positions in this class perform advanced administrative support to the State Public Defender, First Assistant, Chief Deputies and other State Office staff. They perform duties under limited supervision, requiring advanced knowledge of administrative policies and procedures, and a general understanding of OSPD activities and operations. These positions routinely handle confidential and sensitive matters, applying a high level of discretion and technical skills, and typically operate with latitude for independent judgment and initiative within established policies and procedures.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities Regional Office Operations/Support
Provides high-level confidential administrative support to the State Public Defender, First Assistant, and Chief Deputies. Screens incoming calls and correspondence; formulates responses; prepares and proofs a variety of correspondence; schedules meetings, maintains calendars, makes travel arrangements, and assists in preparing meeting materials. May attend meetings to take notes. Provides administrative support for the State Office senior management team as needed.
Provides administrative and clerical support during the legislative session including tracking and calendaring bills; compiling data; preparing documents; and accompanying senior management to legislative sessions for notes or administrative support as needed.
Manages administrative files and records such as staffing reports, caseload statistics, organizational charts, mileage records, applicant files, business contacts, and other information relevant to management activities. Prepares standard reports as requested.
Leads and participates in ongoing and special projects to support state office or agency-wide programs, including developing and delivering training for administrative staff, drafting policies and procedures, researching information, and communicating standard administrative activities.
Assists with responding to PAIRR Record Requests, including calendaring, preparing, and logging responses.
Assists in coordinating annual management, fall training and other internal agency conferences, including materials, lodging, meals, travel, and event activities; collaborates with program directors to develop and deliver training programs for administrative staff.
Chairs the awards committee for the annual fall conference.
Performs routine administrative duties to support State Office staff and daily activities, such as scheduling conference rooms, managing state vehicle calendars, travel arrangements, reimbursements, and purchase orders.
Purchases routine and non-routine supplies and equipment within established policies, including state-issued IDs and business cards.
Maintains the intranet site for the State Office, updating content and posting articles and communications from staff; creates content regarding staff, events, or procedures.
Supervises administrative support staff within the State Office, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, and hiring/disciplinary recommendations as needed.
Attends meetings and trainings as required and performs other duties as assigned.
Education And Experience Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Demonstrated success in, and significant experience providing high-level administrative support, including office and performance management.
Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Proven verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in the State Public Defender system.
Licensing Requirements (positions In This Class May Require)
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Knowledge (position Requirements At Entry)
General principals of business administration;
Advanced administrative and clerical procedures and systems; word processing, records management, transcription, forms design, and related office procedures;
Principles and processes in providing quality client and personal services;
Basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
Skills (position Requirements At Entry)
Strong client service focus; maintaining client and office confidentiality;
Leadership to mentor, train, develop and guide others;
Applying and interpreting applicable rules, guidelines, policies and procedures;
Time management for self and others; handling multiple tasks with interruptions;
Ability to work independently; strong written and verbal communication; proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Zoom, intranet and email;
Developing productive working relationships with diverse clients, public, coworkers and supervisors;
Operation of common office tools and equipment;
Ability to convey information clearly and give/receive work direction.
Supplemental Information The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable laws. Reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process, will be assisted. If you require an accommodation, please contact ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
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