Court Admin Director

Posting number: 26-10788

Department: Criminal Courts

Job classification: COURT LEGAL MANAGEMENT ADMIN DIRECTOR

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Management

Summary

Directs the administrative and operational functions within a comprehensive and complex court system or legal office. Oversees and participates in the planning and development of policies, procedures and programs to accomplish goals and objectives. Develops strategic plans, oversees administrative functions, including finance, budgeting, human resources, purchasing, information systems, facilities, resources planning, strategic planning and records management. Represents the court system or legal office and presents programmatic, statistical, budgetary and other information to department heads, including judges, legislative bodies, the Commissioners Court and other organizations.

 

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a job classification within the Management job family. Incumbents in this classification is responsible for directing the administrative and operations functions within a comprehensive and complex court system or legal office. Responsible for development of strategic plans and program initiatives to facilitate efficiency and effectiveness. Typically directs the human resources management, finance, budgeting, information systems, facilities and other administrative and operational functions through subordinate managers and administrative staff.

Examples of duties

• Plans, organizes and directs the administrative and operational functions within a comprehensive and complex court system or legal office. Oversees management and staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions and dismissals, and directs activities to be consistent with goals and objectives. Seeks and creates opportunities for improved performance, learning and development of staff. Identifies and addresses problems or conflicts.
• Oversees and performs administrative and operational functions, such as financial, budgeting, human resources, purchasing, information systems, strategic planning, records management and special programs. Facilitates meeting all basic requirements related to policies, procedures, staffing, equipment and other resources to enhance efficiency. Manages the day-to-day operations through subordinate managers and supervisors.
• Directs departmental planning, development, implementation and management of all financial and budgetary functions, including budget preparation and monitoring, analysis, accounting functions, internal and external controls, compliance issues, financial reporting, grants, interlocals, and discretionary and other funds.
• Oversees and implements departmental human resources functions, including staffing, employee relations, classification, compensation, recruitment/retention, training and guidance on day-to-day actions in compliance with Federal, State and County policies.
• Directs the planning, development, implementation and operation of the department's information and records management systems. Works with information systems staff to determine and prioritize the department's information systems needs.
• Prepares high-level analysis of fiscal impact of various programmatic and policy-related decisions for policymakers. Provides management support to executives and administrative oversight of the department. Evaluates, plans and implements systems, processes and procedures to maximize office efficiency.
• Develops and implements comprehensive strategic plans consistent with departmental goals and objectives.
• Prepares, receives and reviews statistical and programmatic reports, monitors programs, and interprets findings. Evaluates current programs, procedures and practices on an on-going basis. Plans and develops policies, procedures and programs to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of operations and services.
• Represents the department and serves as a liaison for local, regional and statewide committees and task forces, advisory groups, and the general public. Serves as spokesperson to media and outside agencies.
• Prepares and presents comprehensive reports and recommendations based upon analytical research and study of court system issues. Recommends new or revised systems, technologies, policies or procedures to improve the administrative and operational functions of the court system.
• Monitors and directs procedures to ensure that they are consistent with legislative mandates.
• May oversee additional programs within the department.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QualificationsEducation and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Court Administration, Finance, Accounting, Business, Public Administration or a directly related field AND seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in court administration, business administration, legal or related work, including four (4) years of mid- to senior level supervisory or management experience;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
None required.

Preferred:
Licensed Attorney 
Graduation from the Court Executive Development Program of the Institute for Court Management (ICM) or other certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA);
OR,
Master's degree in Court Administration, Finance, Accounting, Business, Public Administration or a directly related field;
OR,
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Management and supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Court system administration and oversight techniques.
• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Accounting, purchasing and budgetary theory, principles and practices.
• Information technology as related to assigned function.
• Criminal justice agencies and task forces.
• Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Strategic planning, developing, monitoring and evaluating court systems and services.
• Managing staff, allocating resources and evaluating programs.
• Leadership and collaboration.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Negotiating, interviewing and investigating practices and techniques.
• Developing and monitoring program budgets.
• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

Ability to:

• Direct, motivate, train, develop and evaluate staff.
• Develop and recommend program initiatives.
• Prepare and analyze administrative and statistical reports.
• Work independently and efficiently.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Supplemental information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 5-15 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
Location: Austin, TX
Department: Criminal Courts
Criminal Background Check Required. 
For updates or questions on this position, contact: Margaret Terronez at Margaret.Terronez@traviscountytx.gov. 

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.