Court Administrator

About the role

The Court Administrator is an executive-level position responsible for the administration of judicial support by providing leadership, planning, direction, and supervision of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County's operations, under the direction of the Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County. The position oversees a broad portfolio of court functions and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a trusted advisor to the Administrative Judge by providing recommendations and analysis regarding operational, fiscal, personnel, facilities, technology, and policy matters affecting the Court.
• Works on court-wide projects and committees as designated by the Administrative Judge; coordinates special programs for the Circuit Court;
• Reviews, analyzes, and assists in the development of policies, procedures, and administrative practices affecting the Court.
• Collaborates with the Administrative Judge and court leadership to formulate strategic, short-term, and long-term plans; establishes organizational goals, objectives, and action plans to address operational needs and emerging challenges.
• Provides executive leadership and oversight to senior management staff responsible for court operations and administrative functions.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the operating and capital budgets for the Circuit Court in consultation with the Administrative Judge; ensures sound fiscal management and responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Collaborates with Prince George's County Government, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and other governmental agencies regarding fiscal management, grants, technology, procurement, auditing, facilities, and operational initiatives.
• Evaluates organizational needs and recommends improvements to staffing, technology, facilities, operational processes, and service delivery.
• Leads organizational change initiatives and continuous improvement efforts designed to enhance court operations and public service delivery.
• Utilizes performance metrics, operational assessments, workload analyses, and data-driven decision-making to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Oversees workforce planning, employee engagement initiatives, leadership development, succession planning, and organizational development efforts.
• Collaborates on business continuity, emergency preparedness, and organizational resilience planning to ensure continuity of court operations during emergencies and unforeseen events.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive situations, including, but not limited to, complaints from the public, justice partners, governmental agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Establishes and implements policies and procedures to improve operational and management effectiveness and to ensure the continued productivity of the Circuit Court.
• Coordinates facilities planning, maintenance, renovation, and space utilization projects to support the Court’s operational needs.
• Maintains effective working relationships with judges, justice partners, elected officials, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Responds to and resolves complex, sensitive, and confidential matters involving operational issues, public concerns, employee relations matters, and stakeholder interests.
• Identifies emerging trends, risks, and opportunities affecting court administration and develops proactive strategies to address them.
• Serves on local and statewide committees, task forces, and workgroups that address issues affecting the Judiciary and the Circuit Court.

Requirements

• A Master's Degree or Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Law, or a closely related field is required.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in court administration, public administration, governmental operations, or executive leadership, including at least five (5) years of experience supervising senior management staff and overseeing multiple functional areas, departments, or divisions within a complex organization.

Qualifications

• In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following:
• Institute for Court Management Fellow (ICM Fellow)
• Certified Court Executive (CCE)
• Certified Court Manager (CCM)
• Organizational Leadership Certification
• Experience working within a state or local court system
• Experience leading strategic planning initiatives
• Experience managing large operating and capital budgets

Skills

• Visionary, collaborative, and results-oriented leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication, strategic planning, and organizational skills and the ability to build consensus, inspire confidence, and effectively lead a complex judicial organization.
• Lead and manage a large and diverse organization.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that support organizational goals.
• Build consensus among diverse stakeholders and effectively manage competing interests.
• Analyze complex operational and organizational challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with judges, employees, governmental officials, justice partners, and the public.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and political acumen.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational demands.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, administrative orders, and court rules.
• Develop and monitor budgets and allocate resources effectively.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate management and professional staff.
• Utilize technology and data to improve organizational performance and service delivery.
• Foster positive relationships and maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive matters.