The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a strategic communications partner to elevate its visibility, shape public understanding, and strengthen trust in the mission, impact, and value of public defense throughout the state. OPD provides holistic, client-centered representation for over 110,000 individuals annually, handling a wide range of criminal, juvenile, parental defense, and mental health cases across all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. The strategic communications campaign must support OPD’s goals to: 1) Position OPD as an essential and expert voice in statewide conversations around public safety, justice reform, and racial equity; 2) Build awareness and public appreciation for the work and outcomes of OPD’s specialized divisions and district offices; 3) Establish the State Public Defender as a trusted media source and expert commentator on emerging legal issues, legislative developments, and justice system challenges affecting Maryland communities; 4) Amplify the strategic communications and thought leadership of the State Public Defender as a prominent voice on criminal justice policy, systemic reform initiatives, and advocacy for adequate public defense funding; 5) Engage key audiences, including state policymakers, community leaders, legal stakeholders, and Maryland residents, with accessible, compelling, and factual messaging; 6) Promote OPD’s leadership in decarceration, mental health advocacy, parental defense, and juvenile justice; 7) Assist in the recruitment and retention of attorneys, social workers, and core staff by promoting OPD as a mission-driven employer; 8) Support proactive and crisis communications strategies that defend OPD’s reputation, respond to emerging news, and ensure transparency
