Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position
The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is committed to providing high‑quality legal representation to Missourians accused or convicted of crimes who cannot afford an attorney. With more than 700 employees—including over 400 attorneys—across both urban and rural offices, MSPD offers meaningful work in diverse communities. Training is a top priority, and MSPD invests heavily in continuous professional development, including nationally recognized defense programs.
As Training Director, you will play a central role in developing, coordinating, and delivering training that strengthens legal practice and supports professional growth across the entire system. You’ll have the opportunity to innovate, develop resources, mentor future leaders, and shape programs that meaningfully impact the quality of representation provided to clients statewide.
This position will be based in our Director’s Office, located in Columbia, Missouri.
Responsibilities - What you’ll do
Professional Development
- Stay current on developments in criminal law, trends in public defense, and effective training methods.
- Maintain expertise in adult learning principles, training needs assessments, instructional design, and evaluating training effectiveness.
Systemwide Employee Development Planning
- Conduct regular formal and informal training needs assessments for all MSPD staff.
- Align training goals and curriculum with system priorities and job expectations in collaboration with the director and division directors.
Program Design & Implementation
- Design and implement in‑house and web‑based training programs for attorneys, defender leaders, and core staff.
- Determine program frequency, content, and focus based on turnover rates, legal updates, and budget considerations.
- Oversee the management of all training logistics, including facility contracts, room setup, A/V support, lodging, meals, faculty coordination, billing, and reimbursements.
Trainer Selection & Development
- Select faculty for MSPD training programs and recommend MSPD staff for external trainer opportunities.
- Identify and develop employees with strong expertise and communication skills to serve as trainers or mentors.
- Develop Train the Trainer programs for MSPD staff.
Coordination of Non‑MSPD Training Opportunities
- Monitor and share relevant external training programs.
- Approve and coordinate employee participation while ensuring equitable access to training opportunities.
Evaluation of Training Impact
- Conduct ongoing evaluations of training effectiveness and incorporate feedback into continuous program improvement.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Assist with planning and managing the training budget.
- Ensure all training activities comply with MSPD and state policies.
Training Portal & Resource Development
- Oversee the update of the MSPD training portal, online resources, and future implementation of a new learning management system.
- Help develop and update training materials, motion banks, expert databases, and other litigation tools.
Qualifications - All you need for success
Required Minimum Education & Experience:
- Must be a licensed attorney with a minimum of eight years of successful experience in the public defender system for internal candidates; equivalent public or criminal defense experience required for external candidates.
- Previous teaching or training experience, with demonstrated ability to lead and support mentoring relationships.
- Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
Job Details - More reasons to love this position
This is a full-time position based in Columbia.
This position reports to the Missouri State Public Defender Deputy Director and supports the Training Department in all aspects of training and development within the Missouri State Public Defender system.
The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage.
Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:
Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.
