COURT ADMINISTRATOR-CIRCUIT/FAMILY/PROBATE COURT

Job Overview
The Circuit Court of Jackson County is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Court Administrator to serve as the Chief Operating Executive for the Circuit/Family/Probate Courts, Youth Detention Center, and Friend of the Court. Reporting to the Chief Circuit Judge, this leadership role oversees all administrative, financial, operational, and programmatic functions of the Court.

Easily apply through our job board at www.bsaonline.com by entering your contact information into our online application and uploading your cover letter and resume.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Court Administrator serves as a key liaison to County Administration, law enforcement agencies, community partners, and state/federal entities and drives strategic planning, ensures compliance with statutes and court rules, and helps shape the delivery of high-quality court services across multiple divisions.

This position leads a wide range of administrative and operational functions including financial administration, program development, systems management, security coordination, records and case flow management, and oversight of multiple departments and service programs.

• Lead, supervise, and develop all court staff—directly and through department managers, including hiring, training, performance reviews, interpreting personnel policies, and engaging in employee relations matters.
• Direct the management teams for the Circuit/Family/Probate Courts, Youth Detention Center, and Friend of the Court; serve as backup to the Youth Center Director, FOC Director, Youth Services Director, and as backup Juvenile Court Referee as needed.
• Review and analyze all court operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate duplication; develop and update court policies and procedures with recommendations to the Judge.
• Prepare and administer State and County budgets, present budget requests, authorize expenditures, oversee contracts, and manage the Court’s accounting systems.
• Create, manage, and oversee the multi-million-dollar Child Care Fund budget.
• Build partnerships and coordinate operations with other courts, community agencies, schools, law enforcement, and service organizations.
• Lead the design, implementation, and security of the court’s information systems; act as liaison to state and federal entities regarding system issues and certifications.
• Develop and oversee accounting systems and ensure proper distribution and management of funds.
• Support the development and implementation of juvenile services programs focused on prevention, treatment, diversion, and rehabilitation—including grant writing, program planning, and presentations.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns from clients, attorneys, agencies, the media, and the public; resolve complaints and represent the Court at community events.
• Represent the Courts at County committee meetings and serve as liaison to County Administration; chair internal court meetings.
• Advise staff on complex issues involving law, court rules, and policies; assist with technical or challenging casework.
• Support the Judge in monitoring and interpreting changes in laws, rules, directives, and precedent affecting court operations; ensure compliance and implement procedural updates.
• Investigate complaints regarding court operations or staff and take appropriate corrective action.
• Oversee data analysis, statistical reporting, recordkeeping functions, and projections for future caseloads and staffing needs.
• Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department on court security planning, procedures, and officer deployment.
• Oversee active/inactive record storage, destruction, and microfilming per State retention schedules.
• Manage facilities planning and serve as liaison with County facilities staff.
• Ensure compliance and coordination with MDOC regarding Presentence Investigation Report processing.
• Coordinate with the County Clerk’s Office to ensure proper filing, handling, and storage of court records.
• Serve as the Court’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer and ADA Officer.
• Approve and cancel juvenile warrants (Orders to Take Into Custody).
• Remain on call 24/7 for emergent after-hours court issues.
• May serve as a qualified backup Juvenile Probation Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Court Administration, or a closely related field preferred.

Experience: Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible administrative and/or legal experience with substantial leadership responsibility in financial administration, personnel management, policy development, and organizational administration.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Chief Circuit Judge.

Additional Requirements: Valid Michigan driver’s license.

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE; BENEFITS EFFECTIVE DATE OF HIRE!

This is an exempt level position with excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, paid time off and PAID HOLIDAYS, effective date of hire!

CORE BENEFITS (provided at no cost): $30,000 Life Insurance, $30,000 AD&D; Long-Term Disability; Wellness Benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Holidays; Paid Time Off (based on length of service); Paid bereavement leave; Education Assistance of up to $3,000 annually.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS (cost share required): Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision; Optional Life Insurance for employee, spouse and dependent children; Short-Term Disability; Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and/or Dependent Care); Health Savings Accounts; Consumerism Card; Legal Shield & ID Shield.

Benefit eligible employees opting out of the County's health plan with proof of other coverage are eligible for a $3,000 Cash-In-Lieu of Insurance benefit.

Full time employees are offered an Employer match of up to 5% in our Defined Contribution/401a Plan with voluntary contributions to our 457 Plan and greater than two times the employee contribution to our Retirement Health Savings Plan (RHS). The Employee contribution for the RHS Plan is $900 annually with an employer contribution of $2,050 annually.

For full benefit details, go to https://www.mijackson.org/439/Employment-Benefits

We're a great place to work and great place to live - check us out!Join our team, our values, our purpose - Proudly serve the citizens of Jackson County:

* Quality & Efficiency: Our employees are committed to continuous improvement and getting the most value for the public resources entrusted to them.
* Integrity and accountability: Our employees behave in a fair and ethical manner and demonstrate a strong commitment to public services.
* Teamwork and Community: Our employees work collaboratively with each other and the community to achieve shared goals.

To learn more, search "LIVE, WORK, PLAY JACKSON, MI" or go to https://www.mijackson.org/31/Live-Work-Play

Pay: $104,832.00 - $121,474.10 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• 457(b)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $104,832 - $121,474