Director of Trial Court Services

Kansas Judicial Branch•Topeka, KS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Trial Court Services provides leadership and oversight for statewide trial court programs, technology initiatives and operational projects that support the efficient administration of justice throughout the Kansas Judicial Branch. This position directs the planning, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of assigned court programs and statewide systems, including statewide case management and electronic filing systems. The Director leads a team of professional staff by establishing priorities, assigning work, developing employees and ensuring the successful delivery of programs and services. Working collaboratively with judges, court administrators, judicial branch leadership and external stakeholders, this position provides operational guidance, technical assistance, and project leadership to support implementation of Kansas Supreme Court rules, policies, and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree with a focus on business, public administration, or court administration, supplemented by three or more years of management experience, including one year of court-related work or a law degree, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and court administration, organizational management, court operations, judicial processes, and statewide court programs.
Ability to lead, develop, and evaluate professional staff through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
Ability to plan, prioritize and manage multiple complex projects while balancing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and achieving organizational objectives.
Ability to analyze operational issues, interpret and apply statues, court rules, policies and administrative procedures, and develop practical solutions that improve court operations.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with judges, court administrators, attorneys, judicial branch employees, vendors, government agencies and the general public.
Strong analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with initiative, sound judgement, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation and meeting facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse professional audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft office applications, and other technology necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.
Ability to travel within and outside of Kansas, including occasional overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

Kansas Judicial Branch work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Directs the administration, implementation, support and continuous improvement of assigned statewide court programs, technology initiatives, and operational projects, including the statewide electronic filing system, case management system and related initiatives.
Plans, prioritizes, and oversees multiple projects and program initiatives to achieve organizational objectives, meet timelines, and ensure operational goals are achieved.
Supervises professional staff by assigning work, establishing performance expectations, providing coaching and development, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
Evaluates court programs, operational processes and recommends improvements that increase efficiency, effectiveness, and consistency across the judicial branch.
Provides consultation, technical assistance, and operational guidance to judges, court administrators, clerks, judicial branch employees, and other stakeholders regarding court programs, policies, procedures and statewide initiatives.
Collaborates with internal departments, state and local agencies, vendors and other partners to implement, support and enhance statewide court programs and operational initiatives.
Analyzes proposed legislation, court rules, administrative policies, and operational changes to determine impacts on court programs and develops recommendations to support implementation.
Develops and maintains policies, procedures, manuals, reports, correspondence, and other program documentation and represents the Office of Judicial Administration on committees, workgroups, and statewide initiatives as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.