About the Department

The Governor's Fellowship Program provides a government management training program that encourages talented individuals to consider careers in State government. The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a 2026-27 Governor's Fellow for a 12-month commitment in OPD' s Management/Headquarters Office. Reporting to Senior Leadership, the Fellow will work closely with OPD leadership in our People & Culture, Policy, and Legal teams to advance the OPD's mission to provide legal representation and protect the rights of individuals in criminal, child welfare, juvenile, parole, mental health, and other matters.

The Fellow will research, review, and analyze policies throughout all OPD’s practice areas with a focus on holistic defense practices and internships, and assist in compiling and reviewing all policies throughout the agency. Under the supervision of OPD leadership and senior-level staff, the Fellow will aid in identifying, developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and initiatives that further OPD's mission. Job duties include:

reviewing and analyzing existing and proposed policies and procedures that impact OPD work;
aiding in drafting policy manuals for OPD staff, including work on internship capacity, rules, and policies that may impact OPD’s work and clients, especially related to parole and criminal justice reform;
conducting internal policy reviews and assisting practice areas in maintaining and updating policy documents to reflect current legal standards and organizational priorities;
collaborating with the Policy, People, and Legal offices to review, revise, and coordinate policy documents across departments;
researching and analyzing data, reports, and other sources to identify and develop policy proposals that would further OPD’s goals and mission;
preparing reports and other written work products; and
aiding in efforts to enhance OPD outreach to stakeholders and impacted communities.

In addition to their work with the Public Defender, the Fellow will participate in Governor's Office-sponsored programming. This may include events such as issue-based panel discussions with Cabinet members, senior department staff, and members of the Governor's Office policy team.

Position Duties

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree and a combination of established excellence in academics and/ or professional achievement; proven leadership ability and potential for further growth; demonstrated commitment to public service; effective written communication skills as demonstrated by a writing assignment; evidence of effective teamwork.

Ideally, the Fellow's background and education will include public administration and/ or policy; data and legislative analysis; knowledge of the criminal legal system and/ or other OPD practice areas; and experience with and passion for advancing equity for historically marginalized and underserved communities. The Fellow should be innovative and work effectively both independently and collaboratively, within a team and with outside stakeholders and impacted communities.

Minimum Qualifications

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Other Qualifications

If you are applying under the NJ "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (833) 691-0404.

This position may be eligible to work remotely for up to two days in a calendar week.

Participation in the Governor's Fellowship Program shall not exceed one year.

Benefits

Health Benefits, including Dental, effective 60 days from hire date. This also includes a robust prescription plan.
Vision care partial reimbursement for exams, glasses and/or contacts.
Earn 20 vacation days per year as an unclassified employee. May carry up to one year of earned vacation time into the next succeeding year only.
Earn up to 15 sick days per year, which may be carried from year to year on an unlimited basis. Will also receive 1 additional bereavement day, applying to immediate family members.
Will receive up to 3 personal days per year (Administrative Leave Days).
Receives 13 paid Holidays per year.
Per the most recent collective bargaining agreement ending June 30, 2027, union-represented employees will receive the following salary increases:
- 3.5% Across the board for each of the 4 years of the contract, beginning July 1, 2023.
- Continued salary steps each year at approximately 3.7% (1.5 years from step 8 to step 9, and 2 years from step 9 to step 10, and step 10 to step 11).
Mandatory enrollment in a fixed Pension Plan. Employee contribution is 7.5% of salary. Vested after 10 years.
May qualify for Telework up to 2 days per week after a period of training and acclimation to the OPD.

Supplemental Questions

Have you earned a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or University?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJ)
Address: 25 Market Street
P.O. Box 850
Trenton, New Jersey, 08625-0850
Website: https://www.nj.gov/defender/