Court Administrative Officer

WILTON RANCHERIA•Elk Grove, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Court Administrative Officer serves as the chief administration personnel for the Wilton Rancheria Tribal Court. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient administration and operation of the Judicial Branch, encompassing the Tribal Court, Traditional Court, and Appellate Court. The Court Administrative Officer provides leadership in strategic planning, personnel supervision, and the administrative management of Court resources.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge of Court administration, judicial procedures, and legal operations.
Strong supervisory and leadership abilities to manage court staff, delegate duties, and ensure performance accountability.
Proven experience in mentoring, training, and fostering teamwork and professional development.
Ability to resolve conflicts, maintain staff morale, and ensure compliance with personnel policies.
Strategic planning and administrative leadership skills for collaboration with the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches.
Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and grant administration.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Skilled in preparing detailed reports, policy documents, and official correspondence.
Technological proficiency in case management, electronic filing, and data systems.
Familiarity with Tribal governance, sovereignty principles, and Tribal Court operations, and experience working with Tribal communities preferred.
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work respectfully within Native communities.
Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards.
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of three (3) years in court administration, governmental operations, or legal administration (e.g., court administrator, court clerk, government director, attorney, or paralegal).
Minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory or management role with increasing responsibility.
Must successfully pass a background investigation and maintain strict confidentiality under Tribal and federal law.
Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must possess a valid California Driver’s License (or obtain within a reasonable time), have a safe driving record, and be insurable under the Tribe’s vehicle policy.
Must be able to travel occasionally for training and conferences.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Tribal governance, sovereignty principles, and Tribal Court operations, and experience working with Tribal communities preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer and oversee the daily operations of the Judicial Branch.
Undertake all lawful duties necessary and proper for effective Court administration.
Maintain and certify accurate Court records and case documentation.
Supervise, hire, and terminate Court staff in accordance with Tribal personnel policies.
Provide clerical and administrative support to the Courts.
Manage and maintain the Courts’ law library and facilities.
Ensure public access to non-confidential Court records in compliance with Tribal law.
Develop and manage the Court’s annual budget in accordance with the Tribe’s Budget and Audit Act.
Oversee all day-to-day financial transactions, including processing invoices, reconciling credit card expenditures, and approving reimbursement requests.
Oversee the funding awarded to the Tribal Court, including grants compliance and reporting.
Enter into agreements for administrative services (finance, IT, HR) with the Office of the Chairperson.
Enter into contracts or obligations with prior Tribal Council approval to support Court operations.
Maintain statistical data and submit regular reports on court operations to the Chief Judge, Chairperson, and Tribal Council.
Develop and implement a Strategic Plan for the Judicial Branch.
Present the completed Strategic Plan to the Tribal Council for review and approval.
Provide quarterly progress reports on strategic and budgetary goals, quarterly or as requested by the Chairperson and Tribal Council.
Conduct an annual review and update of the Strategic Plan each year to accompany the annual budget proposal.
Coordinate training and professional development programs for clerks and staff to maintain competence and efficiency.
Ensure the use of technology and best practices, including electronic filing, records management, and case tracking systems.
Maintains the Wilton Rancheria Bar.
Provides oversight and direction to Court staff to ensure all operational requirements are met and assumes Court Clerk responsibilities when required.
Works with community partners on Court-related issues, matters, and concerns.
Manage the physical facilities of the Courts and ensure proper security measures are implemented.
Oversee operational logistics to support a professional and secure judicial environment.