Court Administrator, Washington County

The Tenth Judicial District is accepting applications for an innovative and experienced professional for the position of Court Administrator in Washington County. The Tenth Judicial District is an innovative, supportive, and progressive environment serving eight counties of urban, suburban, and rural communities. This is a highly responsible, advanced administrative and management position. 

First-round interviews for this position are expected to take place during the first week of December 2025.

The Tenth Judicial District Washington County is located on the eastern edge of the greater St. Paul area and has a population of 284,000, making it the fifth-most populous county in Minnesota. This highly responsible leadership position is the administrative head of the District Court in Washington County and is responsible for the overall management and operations in court administration. 

The Court Administrator is appointed by the Tenth District Judges. Work is performed with a great deal of independence, under the supervision of the Judicial District Administrator. This position collaborates closely with judges, justice partners, district administration, and the state court administrator's office. Responsibilities include the overall management of the civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, mental health, juvenile and conciliation functions. Incumbent is responsible for organizing, directing and coordinating activities of staff engaged in the direct processing of cases and courtroom duties.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Leads and actively fosters ongoing employee engagement strategies to develop, sustain, and promote Tenth District beliefs and vision.
• Demonstrates a personal commitment to embodying the qualities needed in a healthy and inclusive work culture, including but not limited to: openness, vulnerability, boldness and courage.
• Coordinates, organizes and supervises the management of the case processing activities of the court with regard to guidelines, work procedures, and caseflow management. 
• Oversees the initiation, maintenance and data quality of case records in the Minnesota Court Information System, and the use of system generated forms and reports. 
• Oversees record management including computer operations, record retention, storage of records, local recordkeeping, and reporting of court minutes. Maintains statistical records of caseflow to determine needs. 
• Interprets and executes statutory mandates, rules of court, and judicial system policies as they relate to administrative matters. 
• Manages the financial aspects of local court operations including the collection, receipt and accounting for fees, fines, bonds and escrow funds; maintains safe custody of funds and valuables, invests or distributes funds, and maintains financial records; prepares and reviews periodic financial, statistical and other administrative reports. Monitors and complies with risk assessment controls. 
• Assigns or supervises and directs the work of all non-judicial employees of the Court Administrator's Office. Directs court personnel management including recruitment, hiring, training, motivation, performance evaluation, assignment, discipline, and discharge. Administers judicial personnel regulations and the provisions of collective bargaining contracts. 
• Assists the local Bench and District Administrator in the formulation and implementation of local and district policy. Develops or modifies procedures to ensure compliance and supervise implementation; evaluates functions and makes recommendations for policy changes as necessary. 
• Works as a member of the Tenth Judicial District Administrative Team on operational issues and strategic planning. 
• Serves on local and statewide committees and boards and work closely with county justice partners on matters pertaining to the justice system. 
• Participates in the development and monitoring of performance measures and conduct continuing research and evaluation of court programs and operations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of caseflow management. 
• Plans and manages office technology initiatives. Evaluates opportunities for technologies that expand the capacity of the court system and coordinates technology initiatives with District Administration. 
• Takes the lead on all facility related matters specific to the local court offices, such as maintenance issues, court security, etc. 
• Resolves complaints on court related matters from the public, law enforcement, attorneys and others. 
• Participates in community/Judicial Branch outreach by coordinating visits and contact with legislators and other elected officials; speaks to school and civic groups about the courts and Judicial Branch activities; collaborates with legal service providers to assist pro se customers of the court. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, apply today!

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, court administration or related field; AND
• Significant court supervisory, management and administrative experience, OR 
• A combination of equivalent education and experience. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree or Institute for Court Management certification
• Significant experience managing operations in the Minnesota Judicial Branch
• Experience working with elected officials

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals within and outside of the organization: state court administration, district administration, judges, court employees, supervisors, staff, other governmental and private organizations, and the public.
• Exceptional communication skills, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to lead with integrity and accountability; model ethical conduct and fairness in decision -making; maintain confidentiality and impartiality.
• Ability to navigate and lead others through change and ambiguity within a complex organization. Considerable knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the various divisions and functions of district court. 
• Considerable knowledge of the organization, operations, functions, and scope of authority of district court. 
• Considerable knowledge of automated information systems used in the court. 
• Ability to show a high degree of respect for all customers and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, needs and experiences through courtesy and sensitivity. 
• Ability to plan, direct, train, and evaluate the work of professional, administrative and/or office support staff in a manner conducive to high moral and productivity.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to make timely and sound work-related decisions in accordance with statutory mandates, rules of court, and court policies and procedures. 
• Ability to supervise the maintenance of a variety of complex records and prepare reports from such records. 
• A personal, proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion that helps to effectively foster a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to plan, assign, coordinate, supervise, and manage the work of subordinate employees engaged in a variety of court clerical activities. 
• Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, orally and in writing. 
• Ability to analyze, recommend, and implement changes and strategic plans. 
• Ability to operate at an executive level with judges, court leaders, justice partners and the public and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
• Ability to develop and implement organizational change initiatives. 
• Ability to relate to individuals both within and outside the court system through appropriate communication styles. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• This position is located in the Washington County Courthouse at 14949 62nd St. N. Stillwater, MN 55082
• Work involves remaining in a stationary position most of the time in front of a computer, using a keyboard, mouse, and telephone. Regularly operate a computer and other office equipment. Occasionally move about the work site to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc. 
• This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 
• Core business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Initial days off: Saturday, Sunday, and Court Designated Holidays. 
• While this position is primarily based on site, occasional remote work may be available depending on business needs.

Employee Benefits

The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer.