Job Details for Executive Director
| Court Name/Organization | Washington Eastern Federal Defenders |
| Overview of the Position | The Executive Director should be a skilled criminal defense attorney and a skilled manager who has held a leadership position within the legal profession, especially within a public defense organization, and is passionate about representing indigent criminal defendants. The Executive should have a proven track record of collaborating with lawyers, investigators, and support staff in a team setting, and a proven ability and aptitude to support, nurture, and manage a diverse staff. The Executive must ensure the sound fiscal and operational management of the organization. The Executive should be skilled at raising awareness of federal defense work within the greater community, and in partnership with the Board, stewarding the work of the organization into the future. The Board is committed to hiring an Executive Director who is especially skilled and experienced in management and administration. The Executive should carry a caseload to keep current, but much of the responsibility is related to management and administration. |
| Location | Spokane, WA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 06/22/2026 - 07/11/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://fdewi.org/careers.html |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
- Strategic leadership
- Serving as a mentor, and exemplary practitioner of federal criminal defense practice
- Collaborating with the Board to develop plans for advancing the work and mission of FDEWI
- Maintaining consistent communication with the Board regarding critical issues
- Working in a transparent, respectful and collaborative way with FDEWI staff on the creation of policies, procedures, and strategies for advancing the work of the office
- Ensuring a high level of staff productivity and work-product quality throughout the organization while creating and maintaining a work culture that supports and sustains the wellness of individuals and the office as a whole
- Inspiring, supervising, and evaluating attorneys and staff
- Advocating for the interests of the federal defense system at the national level through individual advocacy and service on committees and advisory groups that inform policy
- Representing the organization before the Courts regarding administrative issues
- Representing the organization in the media, by participating in training conferences, and at other public events
- Developing strategic relationships which assist FDEWI with contract and other business negotiations
- Handling day-to-day personnel issues including conflict resolution, disciplinary action, and termination processes
- Monitoring regulatory compliance and communicating compliance requirements to others throughout FDEWI
- Developing and minoring budgets and financial plans
- Working with Defender Services of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer
- Proficient federal criminal defense practitioner
- Licensed to practice law in at least one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
- Solid familiarity with the federal defense organization regulatory environment
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience with and the ability to work well with people with diverse life experiences
- High-level management experience within a public defender organization or its equivalent
- Proven track record of advocacy, national public speaking or its equivalent, and media relations
- Experience and aptitude supervising attorneys and support staff to create an effective work environment
Application Info
Complete the attached application with resume. All electronic applications are to be submitted to Jodi Dineen at jdineen@ettermcmahon.com no later than July 11, 2026.
Or posted to:
Jodi Dineen Etter
McMahon, Lamberson, Van Wert & Oreskovich, P.C.
618 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 210
Spokane, WA 99201
Also, please include a resume with four references. Include contact information for references. Completed applications must be received by end of business on for full consideration.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.