State Court Administrator

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Summary: Under direction of the Supreme court, the SCA manages the Administrative Office of the Courts and develops and implements administrative policies and services for the judicial branch. Duties: Ensures the AOC and the courts have a clear mission, vision and shared values; and develops the strategic plan for the judiciary. Ensures court operations and judicial administrative needs are identified, evaluated, and incorporated into appropriate long and short range plans; establishes priorities, and secures resources to accomplish those priorities. Addresses financial and operational problems related to legislative action and lobbies the Legislature for changes; and reviews and approves proposed budgets submitted by the courts. Identifies issues that may benefit from technology solutions and ensures their implementation. May have similar oversight responsibilities or adult and/or juvenile probation departments. Qualifications: Master’s degree in court, public, or business administration or a related degree, and ten years experience in court management.

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Washington State Supreme Court, Olympia, WA. Summary: The Washington State Court System is structured in a non-unified configuration which places unique responsibility on the State Court Administrator. The State Court Administrator is responsible for the management of personnel and operations at all levels. Duties: Serves the Supreme Court and other appellate and trial courts as the state court chief administrative officer to include management and direction of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). Directs the development and implementation of the AOC objectives and policies. Serves as liaison for the judicial branch in its relations with the legislature and in that role directs the development of the legislative agenda and annual appropriate; coordinates the judiciary’s testimony at numerous legislative hearings. Serves as liaison for the court in matters involving executive branch departments and agencies. Directs the provision of support to the trial court associations and serves as a member of the Board for Judicial Administration. Oversees innovative projects and programs that meet the diverse current and future needs of the state courts. Provides leadership and coordination of AOC services; is responsible for planning, directing, implementing and managing the operations and functions of the Administrator for the Courts office. Provides fiscal policy and direction for the Supreme Court budget, including audit and budget development and expenditures, fiscal policies and the procedures, including the preparation, presentation and monitoring of the annual budget, payroll, purchasing and accounts payable. Identifies emerging issues that may impact the courts and makes recommendations for meeting challenges. Coordinates with county and municipal units of government to support local court. Responsible for the management and coordination of external communications for the court, including television news and print media. Provides appropriate public accountability through media relations and efforts designed to retain public trust and confidence in the judicial branch of government. Serves as an advocate for an independent judiciary. Oversees and coordinates the provision  of electronic and data services to address the information and technology requirements of all levels of the courts. Manages a complex and varied information system involving user groups and committees from all court levels. Handles or oversees sensitive, complex or critical issues. Responsible for hiring, training, supervising and corrective action related to employees. Plans, assigns and reviews the work of staff, conducts employee performance evaluations and recommends salary increases. Qualifications: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A degree in law or an advanced degree in business administration, judicial administration, public administration or related discipline is preferred. Impeccable character and integrity. Working knowledge and understanding of the structure and operations of state courts and a passion for assisting and improving them. Responsiveness, imagination and creativity to identify needs and issues affecting the state courts and develop programs and services to meet them. Outstanding strategic thinking skills. Willingness and ability to develop the resources and revenues necessary to support the Washington Courts programs an services and the ability to manage them effectively. Experience and ability to represent the Washington Courts publicly and to articulate and effectively advocate for the state court community. Superb written and verbal communication skills. Proven success in establishing the profile of an organization. Experience working effectively with the media. Organizational leadership experience involving setting strategic direction, engaging multiple stakeholders and previous experience working with a governing board. Proven ability to recruit, develop and manage a diverse professional staff. Proven success in the management and leadership of technology enhancements of court business operations. Salary: $125,000 DOQ. (2006)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COURTS: AOC, Sacramento, California. Summary: Under constitutional authority, serves as secretary to the Judicial Council; carries out council policies throughout the judicial branch; serves as the primary administrative advocate for the branch; serves as the appointing authority for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC); performs related work as assigned. This is the highest executive-level position in the Administrative Office of the Courts. The incumbent provides the highest level of policy and programmatic leadership for the AOC and is the chief spokesperson and the appointing authority for the agency. Under the direction of the council and the Chief Justice, the incumbent provides similar leadership and advocacy for the branch. Duties: Directs the development and implementation of AOC goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards. Develops and implements AOC programs in furtherance of Judicial Council policies and priorities. Directs the development and administration of the AOC’s budget. Negotiates program policy and service agreements with state courts and other government entities. Creates performance and development plans for direct reports, conducts periodic discussions about progress on performance and development plans, and prepares written performance reviews and discusses same with assigned staff.Reviews and modifies recommendations to courts, the Governor, and the Legislature to adopt rules for court administration, practice, and procedure. Represents the judiciary to external customers, including the other branches of government; presents Judicial Council policy positions and the judicial branch budget to the state Legislature. Serves as secretary to the Judicial Council. Serves as the appointing authority for the AOC. Resolves emerging problems related to AOC policy and personnel. Qualifications: Equivalent to possession of a bachelor’s degree and eight years of increasingly responsible experience in a relevant field, including a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible management experience or One year as a Chief Deputy Director or two years as a Bureau or Division Director with the judicial branch. (2005)

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Virginia Supreme Court. Summary: The state court administrator serves as the chief executive officer for the Chief Justice and Supreme Court in the administration of the judicial branch of state government. Duties: The administrator directs a central office staff of 125 personnel in the development of broad initiatives and in the management of the business operations of the court system. Initiatives are offered primarily through development of the Comprehensive Judicial Plan; this process consists of conducting research and analysis, presenting policy proposals, and implementing those adopted. Major components of the court system's business operations include providing all technology services for the 325 courts and 110 magistrate offices throughout the Commonwealth and presenting all continuing legal education programs for the 2700 judges, clerks, magistrates, and court personnel. By consulting with interested parties, the administrator's office develops and manages the systems that support court officials as they exercise their responsibilities. Systems include alternative dispute resolution programs; legal research; best practices consulting; customer services; creation of statewide court forms; accounting, docketing and calendar management systems; human resources administration; payroll; purchasing. The administrator has oversight of the judicial branch budget of $275 million, including its preparation and advocacy as well as administration of the adopted budget. The administrator serves as liaison with the legislative and executive branches of state government, the Bar, and the public on matters affecting the judicial branch and provides the Chief Justice with current information on issues and operations. Qualifications: At a minimum, the appointee must be a Virginia resident, must be a member of the Virginia State Bar, and must have been admitted to the Virginia State Bar at least five years immediately prior to appointment. The most competitive applicants will have comparable executive and leadership experience as well as demonstrate oversight competence in the areas of responsibility described. (2004)

COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Wyoming Supreme Court, Cheyenne, Wyoming .  Summary: Effectively coordinate and administer all administrative activities of all courts in the State of Wyoming .  Duties: Coordinates the preparation and administration of the courts' annual budget, fiscal, accounting and procurement; provide for and conduct studies of the business of the court and prepare appropriate recommendations; maintain liaison with executive branch agencies, the legislature, attorneys and judges; supervise the internal operation of the court, including clerk of the Supreme Court, law library, fiscal control staff, senior staff attorney, court automation, and other court personnel.  Qualifications: A degree from a four year college or university with major course work in judicial administration, public or business administration and three years of responsible professional experience in management or court administration or a master's degree in court administration and one year of responsible experience in court management or administration and/or graduate from an accredited law school.  Annual salary range:  $45,000 - $60,000. (1998)

Top

DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS: STATE OF GEORGIA – Summary: The Director serves as the leader on administrative and fiscal issues for all levels of courts in Georgia  and is responsible for a staff of 17 non-judicial personnel. Duties: Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels of courts; formulating and implementing policies of the Judicial Council; recommending necessary improvements in the administrative, fiscal and business practices of the courts, including automation initiatives; compiling and analyzing statistical and financial data that serves as the basis of recommendations for court improvement; and, planning and directing judicial programs as directed by the Judicial Council.  Qualifications:  Bachelor's degree and preferably an earned law degree or graduate degree in judicial, public or business administration.  In addition, graduation from a specialized program in judicial administration or court management is desirable but not mandatory.  A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible court administrative experience is preferred.  Annual salary range:  $75,000 - $95,000.  (1998)

DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS: State of Delaware , Wilmington , Delaware .  Summary: The Director serves as the chief administrator for the state court system and is responsible for managing a staff of approximately 45 non-judicial personnel.  The Director is appointed by and holds office at the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.  Duties: The Director duties include the following:  formulating policy; planning; technology (including supervision of the Judicial Information Center ); budget and fiscal oversight; personnel; public information; legislative liaison activities; development and application of case management systems; records management; and administration of education programs for judicial and non-judicial personnel.  Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree and preferably an earned law degree or graduate degree in judicial, public or business administration.  In addition to the above, graduation from a specialized program in judicial administration or court management is desirable but not mandatory.  A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible court administrative experience, including a minimum of five years with the office of a court administrator, is required.  The Director must have the total confidence of the Chief Justice, and will have broad authority to administer the entire judicial system, interact with the members of the Judiciary, court administrators, the Executive and Legislative branches of State government and the public.  Annual salary:  $90,400. (1997)

DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS: The Supreme Court of Nevada seeks a dynamic individual to serve as Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts.  Challenging position in the fastest-growing state in the nation.  Duties: Under the direction of the supreme court, the director:  formulates uniform policies and procedures for state court system; develops and directs programs required to achieve statewide objectives; monitors and coordinates legislative activity for the judicial branch; administers judicial education program for all state judges; assists state courts in developing and improving automated information systems; prepares and administers budget for operation of state court system, including presentation of appropriations requests to legislature; and, provides operational support for supreme court.  Qualifications:  five or more years of supervisory experience, preferably in state court administration; demonstrated ability to interact effectively with judges, court personnel, public officials, the press, and the public; bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, advanced degree in public, business, or judicial administration, or a law degree, is desirable.  Salary:  starting at $73,000, to be set by court commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. (1997)

DIRECTOR: Administrative Office of the Courts:   Concord New Hampshire .  Duties: serves as the staff support to the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court in the discharge of their constitutional duties for administration of all the state courts.  This office provides administrative staff support for the individuals and bodies delegated management and policy authority over the other courts of the State.  Qualifications:  supervisory and administrative experience that provides extensive knowledge of modern judicial administration, theories, practices and principles; objectives and methods of court administration; methods of supervision, public relations, administrative analysis, budgetary and fiscal management, and employee relations as well as thorough knowledge of state and federal government and the place of the judicial branch; understanding of management by consensus; demonstrable ability to manage; and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.  Applicants should hold a law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an institution accredited by the ABA and should be admitted to the Bar of the highest court in one of the states of the United States or the District of Columbia .  Annual salary range:  $60,442 - $77,141, with full state benefit package available. (1995)

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Supreme Court of South Dakota , Pierre , South Dakota.  Summary:  Coordinates and administers effectively and economically all of the administrative activities of all courts in the State of South Dakota .  Duties: Coordinates the preparation and administration of the courts’ annual budget, fiscal, accounting, and procurement; provides for and conducts studies of the business of the court and prepares appropriate recommendations; defines management information requirements and collects, compiles, and analyzes statistical data.  Maintains liaison with governmental, legislative, and other public and private groups; monitors trial court operations as directed by the chief justice; organizes fiscal operation of the judicial system; coordinates preparation of appropriations requests; monitors and coordinates legislative activity of the judiciary.  Salary negotiable:  $52,000 minimum.  (1995)

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Utah State Courts, Salt Lake City , Utah .  Duties:  implements standards, policies, and rules established by the Judicial Council; ensures proper administration of state judicial budget, human resources, and other divisions in support of a variety of management functions; directs non-judicial employees through supervision of district court executives and other administrators; maintains liaison with governmental groups; and performs other related duties as outlined in the Utah Code of Judicial Administration or the Chief Justice.  Qualifications:  master’s degree in judicial administration, public administration, law, or related field plus six years of directly related experience, or equivalent.  Salary:  $83,650 with benefits.  (1995)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COURTS: Idaho State Judicial Department, Boise , Idaho .  This position is exempt from state classified service and the rules of the Idaho Personnel Commission.  The incumbent is appointed by the Idaho Supreme Court and holds office at the pleasure of the court.  Duties: The incumbent performs the duties, powers, and functions of the office under the supervision and subject to the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court; directs the activities, policies, and programs of the Idaho Judicial Department; plans, manages, and oversees the administrative services, programs, and policies for the Idaho Judicial Department ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the state court system; and directs and coordinates the administrative services of the entire state court system.  Qualifications: include a bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college or university and substantial professional administrative experience, preferably in court administration or a closely related field.  An advanced degree in public, business, or judicial administration, or a law degree, is desirable.  Salary is $65,000-$70,000 annually.(1993)

DIRECTOR OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS: New Mexico Judicial Branch, Sante Fe , New Mexico .  Summary: The incumbent reports directly to the Chief Justice and serves at the pleasure of the Supreme Court.  Duties:  provides administration for a statewide, integrated court system; performs statutory duties including supervising all matters relating to administration of the courts; is concerned with adequate economical and equitable funding of courts supported by legislative appropriation; identifies and formulates policies and procedures for the efficient administration of the judiciary; monitors and directs programs required to achieve statewide objectives; and provides information and testimony to the legislature on all aspects of court administration.  Qualifications: Desirable experience with and a solid foundation in information management and information systems technology; knowledge of principles of case management; knowledge of administrative, personnel, fiscal, planning, and management principles, methods, and techniques; and experience or training involving administrative functions in a judicial system.  Salary is approximately $65,000 annually.(1993) 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COURTS: Supreme Court, Montgomery , Alabama .  Duties: Supervised by the chief justice, the incumbent plans, monitors, organizes, directs, and implements administrative support for all state courts; directs the staff of the Administrative Office of Courts regarding budget recommendations, judicial education, personnel management, data collection, and analysis; and is liaison to the legislature.  Qualifications: A bachelor's degree and ten years of administrative experience with five years at a senior level supervising subordinate managers, preferably in a court or other legal setting.  A master's or law degree is desirable.  Salary is $85,000-90,000 annually, commensurate with experience. (1992)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COURTS: Supreme Court, Nashville , Tennessee .  Duties: The supreme court exercises superintending control over all courts; adopts rules for court administration, practice, and procedure; directs judicial education; and carries out related functions as prescribed by statute.  The incumbent, at the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court, organizes and directs AOC staff to carry out policies and provide operational support to appellate and trial courts and state-level agencies; manages AOC operations; directs and monitors organizational goals; and otherwise provides staff support to the Tennessee judicial system.  Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree, ten years of experience in management of a complex organization, with five years at a senior-level position in a court or other legal setting preferred, or equivalent combination.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and salary history.(1992)

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Administrative Office of Courts, Portland , Maine .  Summary: This is a statutory position, appointed by and reporting to the chief justice of the supreme judicial court.  Duties: The incumbent is the chief administrative officer of the state court system and directs a staff of 22 at the administrative office of courts.  The Maine judicial department has 50 judges, approximately 300 other employees at 50 courts, and an annual operating budget of over $28 million.  Qualifications: A degree in public, business, or court administration or a related field and ten years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex organizations, preferably in the private sector.  Experience in public employee relations, governmental finance, or court administration desired.  Salary is competitive; excellent state benefit package.  (1992)

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Denver , Colorado .  The administrator is appointed by the Supreme Court and holds office at the pleasure of the court.  Duties: The incumbent performs professional work, planning and directing the activities, policies, and programs of the Office of the State Court Administrator for the Colorado Judicial Department, and directs, manages, and oversees the administrative services, policies, and programs for the Colorado Judicial Department ensuring efficient and effective operation of the state court system.  Qualifications: include a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and substantial professional and administrative experience, preferably in court administration or a closely related field.  An advance degree in public, business, or judicial administration or related fields is desired.  Salary will be set by court commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.  (1992)

STATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Supreme Court, Bismarck, North Dakota.  Duties: Under the general direction of the chief justice, the incumbent plans, organizes, directs, and monitors administrative activities for all state courts; oversees preparation of biennial budget, expenditures, and fiscal controls; supervises staff responsible for planning, budgeting, judicial education, personnel management, and docket currency standards; and serves as liaison with executive branch agencies, the legislature, attorneys, and judges.  Qualifications:  A master's degree in judicial, public, or business administration, or a law degree and/or graduation from the Court Executive Development Program of ICM, and seven years of management experience, four years of which must have been in a court or closely related setting.  Salary starts at $45,384 annually. (1992)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COURTS: State of Texas , Office of Court Administration, Austin , Texas .  Summary: Demanding, high profile position requiring exceptional daily management skills and demonstrated ability to develop and execute long term projects.  Duties:  The director supervises an 18-person staff which works with all state and local courts in Texas , including almost 3,000 elected and appointed state and local judges.  The director is appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas and reports to and works on a daily basis with its Chief Justice.  Other duties include serving as Executive Director of the Texas Judicial Council; providing administrative support to the Council of Chief Justices of the Courts of Appeals and to the Presiding Judges of the Administrative Judicial Regions; providing research and staff support for the Supreme Court, the Legislature, the Judicial Council, and various task forces, commissions, and committees established by those entities; providing technical coordination and assistance to all level of courts in computerization and information systems; serving as an advocate for the courts and for court improvement; performing other duties relating to statewide judicial administration as provided by Chapter 72 of the Texas Government Code; and aiding in the development and presentation of appropriations requests to state Legislature.  Qualifications:  a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required, and a law degree or advanced degree in public administration, business administration, or other appropriate field is highly desirable.  The successful candidate must understand the structure and operation of state courts, and must be versatile and adaptable to rapidly changing priorities.  Starting annual salary range:  at least $82,209. (1992)

Top