Deputy Director - Human Resources

About the Role

As a member of the Administrative Office of the Courts' executive staff, and under the direction of the Assistant State Court Administrator of Human Resources, the Deputy Director assists in the development and direction of the Maryland Judiciary's Human Resources programs, to include developing the division's annual budget and formulating the Judiciary's human resources policies, procedures, services, and operations. In conjunction with the Assistant State Court Administrator of Human Resources, the Deputy Director is responsible for the oversight and management of all human resources functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Workforce Planning:

• Develops short and long-term plans and goals and identifies and defines the scope and objectives of special projects.
• Manages, oversees, and assigns projects to Human Resources managers/supervisors and establishes working arrangements with management of other Judiciary stakeholders for participation on project teams, pilot studies in selected locations, designation of staff for standing position evaluation committees, and other intra-Judiciary activities.
• Develops working relationships with management and staff of other state, county, and municipal agencies and/or private or public sector organizations, such as the Central Payroll Bureau, Department of Budget & Management, the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Labor, State Department of Assessments and Taxation, etc., or establishes contracts with vendor firms for the purchase of services or commodities, and for contract management.
• Staffs and/or supports committees, subcommittees, and workgroups as requested.

Operational Leadership of the Judiciary Human Resources Division:

• Orients and develops subordinate managers, supervisors and staff and, as they become proficient, delegates increasingly more responsibility for assigned duties.
• Monitors and oversees work of subordinate managers, supervisors and staff, conducts periodic staff meetings, and otherwise guides, directs, and ensures that staff are performing assigned work within relevant objectives, mission, goals, strategic initiatives, policies and procedures, federal and state laws, and other parameters.
• Coordinates activities between human resources units to ensure efficiencies and effectiveness of the division as a whole.
• In conjunction with the Assistant State Court Administrator of Human Resources, determines the type and number of staff needed to provide necessary HR services and designs the organizational structure and defines the functions and responsibilities of each unit and staff position.
• Ensures all HR staff are fully trained.
• Works with all relevant AOC groups and other agencies, as needed, to ensure continuity of all human resources functions in the event of a COOP occurrence.
• Recruits, trains, supervises, and handles performance management issues and disciplinary actions when appropriate.
• In conjunction with the Assistant State Court Administrator of Human Resources, or through close interaction with HR staff, handles the investigation, resolution, and implementation of the most sensitive, complex, and unusual requests, actions, and DLS and internal audits, many of which have broad Judiciary-wide implications.
• In consultation with the Department of Budget & Finance, Central Payroll Bureau and Judiciary senior management, and in conjunction with the Assistant State Court Administrator of Human Resources, serves as the primary resource in the development and validation of the Judiciary's overall compensation structure, personnel, benefits, and other human resources related budget matters.
• Confers and consults with other Judiciary managers, administrators, and executives, as well as those in other public and private organizations, to develop effective interpersonal working relationships, resolve issues, and identify and develop plans, projects, policies, and goals, any of which may have broad intra- and inter-organizational impact.
• Directly, in conjunction with the Assistant State Court Administrator of Human Resources, and through subordinate staff, prepares cost, statistical, and other analysis, necessary documents, and recommendations regarding approval/revision/rejection of proposed human resources-related actions that have financial impact, to include new position requests, recruitment, reclassification and promotion costs, reorganizations, variable pay such as bonuses or education reimbursements, and similar programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, which must include four (4) years of experience managing staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Public personnel administration and federal state laws and regulations affecting public/civil service personnel systems and a recognized, successful background in public human resource administration.
• Maryland Rules; Annotated Code of Maryland; Legal Guides for HR Matters; Federal and state EEO/Title 7 laws; Federal and state employment laws, such as FMLA, FLSA, confidentiality, and workers' compensation laws; and Judiciary Policies and Procedures.
• Data analysis using Microsoft Excel and other data management software.
• Federal and state employment laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, and administrative orders signed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland.
• The Judges Retirement System and Employee Pension System.
• Court systems and the policies and practices of the Maryland Judiciary, specifically land records and the circuit courts.
• Federal and state information privacy and personnel protection laws, including the Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act.
• Software systems to respond to challenging projects.
• Payroll processing for the State of Maryland.
• Modern personnel and payroll practices and procedures.

Skill in:

• Analytical skills.
• Dealing fairly with staff and employees, committed to treating all with dignity and respect.
• Professional maturity and leadership ability to effectively advocate, represent and support Division's position and actions while maintaining a cooperative, flexible posture toward acting in the best interests of achieving objectives.
• A superior level of oral and written communication.
• Meeting and interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds in a pleasant, positive, and genuine manner.
• Effective listening.
• The ability to demonstrate patience.
• Customer service-customer satisfaction orientation toward delivery of Division's programs and services.
• A management philosophy, style, and track record of effecting organizational change which emphasizes employee empowerment over management control.
• Committing to equal opportunity, especially as it relates to talent acquisition, retention, and development.
• Building credible and respected peer recognition in the personnel field, including an established network of contacts.
• Successful staff selection, development, and retention creating an environment of professional growth and excellence for the organization through training, evaluation, and advancement opportunities.
• Working successfully and positively in a strong participatory climate, with diverse interests and opinions represented by elected officials, staff, employees, varied citizen, institutional and intergovernmental groups.
• The organizational use of work teams and other methods to involve a cross-section of employees at varying levels in the organization.

Ability to:

• Participate positively and effectively as a member of top management in sensitive discussions and problem-solving processes which relate to the overall needs, concerns, and services of the Judiciary.
• Communicate openly with all staff members, taking time to share information and review matters of interest and concerns that promote harmony, teamwork, and belonging and relate to the effective accomplishment and implementation of all programs and services.
• Talk to Department Heads, staff members, and external stakeholders and to openly communicate in a manner capable of inspiring confidence, respect, and credibility for the Human Resources Division.
• Recognize issues and problems, and initiate solutions with limited direction, while keeping senior executive management appropriately informed of the status of plans, actions, and programs.
• Apply critical thinking skills and assess and interpret different sources of information to produce comprehensive recommendations and reports.
• Provide assertive and visible leadership and counsel on state-wide personnel and information privacy matters to implement policy-level actions, initiatives, and programs in a timely and effective manner.
• Provide strong leadership and direction, clearly defining objectives, and motivating staff, supervisors, and employees to accomplish objectives in a fair, impartial, and competent manner.
• Prepare thorough reports which respond to requests, and which provide accurate information, alternatives, and implications of proposed policies or actions.
• Demonstrate professional maturity to challenge, motivate, and work effectively with a competent, diverse professional technical staff.
• Possess complete integrity and exemplify personal characters of behavior and leadership.
• Understand and communicate the role of the Division within the total scope of services.
• Participate positively and effectively as a member of top management in discussion and problem-solving processes which relate to the overall needs, concerns, and services of the Judiciary.
• Be approachable, consultative, and participatory.

Benefits

The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans. Telework, up to 2 days per week, may also be available. Telework eligibility is based on job functions and the approval of the Administrative Head.

Pay and Schedule

Salary: $153,606 to $170,672

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full Time

Location: Maryland Judicial Center, 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401

Closing Date: August 3, 2026