Court Administrator I, Faribault County

The Fifth Judicial District is comprised of 15 counties in southwest Minnesota with 18 chambered judges throughout the district.

The Court Administrator serves as the administrative head of the court system in the county and is responsible for organizing, directing and coordinating the activities of subordinates engaged in the direct processing of cases as well as related staff support. Work includes the overall management of all case flow functions and may include the management of centralized functions for all or part of the district. Work is performed with independence under the supervision of the Deputy Judicial District Administrator.

The Court Administrator has a significant management relationship with judges, court staff, Minnesota Judicial Branch offices, justice system partners, and county offices and departments.

Example of Duties

The following are examples of job duties that may be expected for this position:

• Manage all aspects of case flow management from initiation through post-disposition of Criminal, Civil, Traffic, Family, Probate, Mental Health, Juvenile and Conciliation cases to ensure that cases move through the system effectively. Ensure that all documents filed with the court are processed timely and accurately. Coordinate between court departments and justice partners to ensure that cases are scheduled efficiently.

• Collaborate with one or more judicial officers to coordinate and manage judicial scheduling, ensuring the efficient use of judicial resources, adherence to statutory hearing timelines, and effective case management. Interprets and applies court rules, administrative orders, policies, and procedures to provide accurate guidance and support to judicial officers. Serves as the primary point of contact for judges regarding personnel, courtroom security, and facility-related matters.

• Assigns or supervises and directs the work of all non-judicial employees of the Court Administrator's Office. Directs court personnel management including recruitment, hiring, training, motivation, performance evaluation, assignment, discipline, and discharge. Administers judicial personnel regulations and the provisions of collective bargaining contracts.

• Manage the financial aspects of court operations including collecting, receiving and accounting for funds, fees, fines, bonds, and escrow funds and tracking expenditures. Prepare financial reports detailing court financial management. Comply with all fiscal, risk management and audit policies and procedures.

• Monitor Court information systems and hardware to ensure they are operating as designed and expected. Work with court or county technology staff to install, maintain or support hardware or software. May oversee technology upgrades or pilot technology initiatives.

• Manage the retention, storage, accessibility, and purging of court records ensuring compliance with Minnesota Judicial Branch policies and procedures, and other statutory requirements.

• Work with local Court and District leadership to develop and implement new Court operational policies and procedures in response to changes in the law, Court rules or regulations. Evaluate current local Court and District policies and procedures for effectiveness and draft recommendations for improvements when appropriate.

• Represent the Court in various committees, task forces, and work groups at the district and County and state-wide level. Act as the public face of the Court to the news media, citizen organizations and other entities interested in the Court.

• Analyzes and prepares court security plans and coordinates with local law enforcement on high-risk trials.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of relevant work experience in a court or other legal environment such as processing various case types, filing and recordkeeping, completing court administrative duties.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Two (2) years of study at an accredited college or university in business, public administration, court administration or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the various divisions and functions of the unified district court.
• Considerable knowledge of the organization, operations, functions, and scope of authority of the unified district court.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practice and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of automated information systems used in the court.
• Skill to effectively communicate thoughts, ideas, and messages to diverse individuals in oral
• and written form.
• Skill in managing employee performance and in providing constructive positive and
• corrective feedback.
• Skill in project management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or work streams simultaneously and ensure that work is completed in a timely manner.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with judicial officers, justice partners, colleagues, staff and the public.
• Ability to manage conflict.
• Ability to solve complex problems and make decisions efficiently and effectively.

To Apply

Please complete your online application with a resume and cover letter attached by clicking the “APPLY NOW” link at the bottom of this page.

All Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.

Please contact Human Resources at 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.