News

Job Announcement: Executive Director of Texas Defender Service

  • 11/22/2011
  • Texas Defender Service

 Texas Defender Service (TDS) is seeking an Executive Director. TDS is a private, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of legal representation provided to those facing the death penalty in Texas.

TDS’s mission includes:
(1) direct representation at the trial and post-conviction level, including cases with the potential to challenge systemic inequities;
(2) leveraging TDS’s knowledge about systemic injustices to advocate for legislative reform through the use of reports, media outreach and other public information opportunities;
(3) consulting with and training attorneys at the trial and post-conviction levels to better enable them to advocate skillfully and vigorously for their clients, and serving as a resource trial and post-conviction counsel;
(4) monitoring and researching implementation of the Texas Fair Defense Act and other statutes in active death penalty counties, and using the data as the basis for administrative reform advocacy, public education, and litigation.

TDS has offices in Houston and Austin. The Executive Director could be located in either office.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Since its inception in 1995, TDS has functioned as a vital safety net, a watchdog, and an agent for reform, all roles it is uniquely situated to play because it is a non-governmental agency. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that TDS continues its mission and remains a dynamic force in the Texas and national capital defense community.

The Executive Director is also expected to manage the various TDS missions – direct representation, consulting, training, and research. To accomplish these goals, the Executive Director must supervise two law offices and work collaboratively with a team consisting of the CFO, the Post-Conviction Director, and the Trial Project Director. The Executive Director will be expected to lead the efforts to ensure continued financial support for TDS’s programs. These efforts include fund raising through foundations, corporate and individual donors.

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in criminal defense and/or capital litigation and a demonstrated commitment to serving indigent persons. Experience in policy development is of interest, but is not required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with experience, benefits package provided. APPLICATION: Applications should be submitted by December 1, 2011. Interested persons are invited to send a cover letter and resume to: steikerjordan@gmail.com.

Topics:
  • Other Death Penalty