Governor's Fellow

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.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.
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. If you are applying under the NJ "SAME" program, your supporting documents specified in N.J.S.A. 11A:7-13.3  (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: [email protected], 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.