District Court Administrator (D7 112099)

Summary

The District Court Administrator position is in the 7th Judicial District located in Eastern Iowa, which includes the counties of Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott. This position is domiciled in the Scott County Administrative Office, which is located in Davenport.

What We Offer

• Excellent affordable benefit package
• Employee discount programs
• Paid holidays plus vacation and sick time
• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) retirement plan
• Team-oriented, positive work environment
• Optional retirement savings 457 plan with employer contributions

Responsibilities:

Under direction of the chief district judge, the position is administratively responsible for operations, programs, policies, and employees in the Seventh Judicial District. This leadership role ensures the judicial district achieves its goals and carries out its constitutional and statutory duties while operating Iowa’s unified court system efficiently and effectively.

Examines and recommends improvements in the methods, procedures, and administrative systems. Oversees and may supervises case assignment, case flow management, and jury management programs. Collects statistical and other data on the operation of the courts and produce reports on the work of the judicial branch. Manages a staff engaged in overall court administration and may be designated by chief district judge to assist in the management of district employees. Evaluates caseload statistics and makes recommendations to the chief district judge for reallocating judicial resources to improve court efficiency. Serves on local and state-wide committees, task forces, and commissions as directed by the chief district judge or state court administrator. Manages large and complex projects from conception to completion. Prepares, monitors, and manages the judicial districts annual budget. Recommends, establishes, and implements uniform rules and policies governing recordkeeping, fiscal management, and other business practices. Administers and coordinates the use of funds appropriated to the judicial district to support various initiatives. Utilizes the electronic data management system (EDMS) and recommends enhancements for improvements. Continues the modernization of court technology by recognizing the development, maintenance, and support needs of robust enterprise-level systems.

Capitalizes on innovations in information technology to promote continuous improvement of the administrative operations of judicial district court administration and leverages new and enhanced best practices. Participates and leads various programs, conference session development, and initiatives related to training and development, career advancement, and succession planning. Coordinates with State Court Administration’s Human Resources Division to identify training needs for judicial district employees. Administers uniform HR policy and procedures.

In collaboration with the State Court Administration’s Human Resources Division, provides general consultation to management and employees on management principles, employee relations, and labor relations. Assists the Human Resource Division with attraction, recruitment, evaluation, and selection of qualified candidates. Ensures proper alignment of human resource capital to support efficient court operations and administration across the judicial district. Maintains adherence to labor agreements and participates in investigations and grievances. Works in coordination with the State Court Administration’s Facilities Division and county government to provide a safe and productive work place. Considers workplace enhancements to encourage employee training, development, and retention. Establishes and manages performance expectations, conducts performance evaluations, and holds regular meetings with judicial district employees. Consults with the chief district judge about the management and allocation of human resource capital in the judicial district.

Establish and maintain good working relationships with the Iowa Legislature, Iowa Executive Branch, Iowa Bar Association, private agencies, other public governmental organizations, Congress, community groups, and the news media. Participates in interviews with news media as directed.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements of 1, 2, 3, or 4 to meet the qualifications of the position.

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a highly responsible administrative capacity with a court, government agency, or in business management is required. Of that experience, two years of supervision of direct reports is preferred. Successful completion of the Certified Court Manager may substitute one year of experience. Successful completion of the Certified Court Manager and Certified Court Executive or ICM Fellows may substitute two years of experience.
• Successful completion of the Certified Court Manager may substitute one year of experience.
• 1 year of experience as an Assistant District Court Administrator Senior or 3 years’ experience as an Assistant District Court Administrator.
• Successful completion of the Certified Court Manager and Certified Court Executive or ICM Fellows may substitute two years of experience.
• A combination of education and/or full-time experience equal to nine years.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a highly responsible administrative capacity with a court, government agency, or in business management is required. Of that experience, two years of supervision of direct reports is preferred. Successful completion of the Certified Court Manager may substitute one year of experience. Successful completion of the Certified Court Manager and Certified Court Executive or ICM Fellows may substitute two years of experience.
• Applicants must meet the requirements of a and b to meet the requirements of 1.
• Applicants must meet the requirements of a and b to meet the requirements of 2.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business administration, management, public administration, human resources, court management, or other area of study.
• An advanced degree in court administration, public administration, business administration, or law.
• Education: thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in the above fields equals one year of full-time experience.

A valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the State.