Court Administrator

Salary Range

$ - $ annually. DOE

The Municipal Court is an independent branch of government and personnel employed under the judicial branch of government are bound to act in accordance with GR 29. Under GR 29, the Presiding Judge is responsible for the daily operations of the Court, which includes working conditions, hiring, discipline, and termination decisions.

Court Personnel are also subject to the rules contained within the City of Des Moines Personnel Manual, City Ordinances, state and/or federal laws. The provisions of the City of Des Moines Personnel Manual, including wage and benefits, apply to all Court Employees and controls, unless otherwise ordered by the Presiding Judge.

The Court Administrator works under the direction and supervision of the Presiding Judge in accordance with General Rule 29 and all applicable state laws. The Court Administrator is responsible for the planning, directing, implementation, and management of all the non-judicial, day‑to‑day operations of the court, including court services for contracting cities. The Court Administrator develops and implements policies and procedures, in close coordination with the Presiding Judge.

The Court Administrator also works with the Presiding Judge on the biennium court budget.

The Court Administrator oversees personnel management and development, accounting, case‑flow management, oversight of projects, contracts, establishes and maintains the court's continuity of operations plan, and performs other responsibilities as directed by the Presiding Judge. In addition, the Court Administrator manages all grants awarded to the Court and is responsible for ensuring that all accounting and reporting requirements are completed in a timely manner.

The Court Administrator works closely with the Presiding Judge on strategic planning and the development of court programs. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, significant knowledge and experience working in a court environment, and the ability to successfully engage stakeholders.

• Assumes responsibility for Municipal Court operations and Court staff: manages all non‑judicial functions for the daily operation of the Court to include oversight of business functions such as payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable; provides operational support to the Presiding Judge.
• Direct supervision of the Judicial Operations Supervisor including but not limited to: interviewing, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and disputes; resolving problems; maintaining personnel files as needed; appraising performance; recommending promotions and disciplinary actions; implementing organizational changes; approving and scheduling leave time; and recommending terminations as appropriate.
• Plans, directs and coordinates the work plan for the Court, Support Services Division and the specialized court programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, or local regulations, in coordination with the court leadership team.
• Consults with and advises the Presiding Judge regarding administrative, operational and legal issues and problems affecting the Municipal Court.
• Determines, with the Presiding Judge, departmental budget and staffing priorities for the operating divisions.
• Informs, updates, and advises the Presiding Judge of financial conditions, identifies opportunities for improvement and implements as appropriate.
• Collaborates with the Presiding Judge to develop strategic plans and projects their implementation to ensure adherence to Washington State's judicial standards, regulations, and statutes.
• Consults with the Presiding Judge on short and long‑range planning and staff projections to update, maintain, and implement court policies, procedures, and rules appropriately.
• Anticipates the Municipal Court's rising needs based on changing legal, demographic or technological trends.
• Directs the development and installation of procedural, technical, and operational improvements.
• Monitors revenues for timeliness and accuracy; expenditure data, and other information;…