Family Division, Director

Circuit Court for Prince George's County•Md, MD

About The Position

The Director of the Family Division is a senior management position reporting directly to the Deputy Court Administrator. The Director provides oversight and guidance to the Family Division under policies established by the Administrative Judge, Family Coordinating Judge, and Court Administrator or Deputy Court Administrator. The role leads Family Division initiatives in partnership with justice partners and nongovernmental organizations and, with the Finance Department, oversees the creation, implementation, and administration of federal and state grants and the division’s general budget. The Director provides leadership and direction to managers and staff, ensures family matters comply with the Domestic and Juvenile Differentiated Case Management Plans, and upholds directives of the Administrative Team. The Director manages division professionals and paraprofessionals, oversees case flow and family programs, supports efficient case management, and recommends service improvements. The role also manages procedural assistance programs for self-represented litigants, develops staff training and workforce engagement opportunities, administers grants and budget matters, and builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Court Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, or a closely related discipline; three to five years of progressive experience in court administration, social services, or legal/judicial management; and at least two years of management or supervisory experience overseeing staff, case management, social service programs, and budgets. A master’s degree or Juris Doctorate is highly preferred and may substitute for experience. ICM certification, NACM CORE® Champion Program, or higher is also preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Court Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, or a closely related discipline.
Three to five years of progressive experience in court administration, social services, or legal/judicial management.
At least two years of demonstrated management or supervisory experience overseeing staff, case management, social service programs, and budgets.
Knowledge of public administration and local government principles and methods.
Knowledge of modern management practices, employee development, and managing multiple teams.
Knowledge of Family Law and administrative and legislative processes.
Knowledge of program development, implementation, management techniques, and evaluation concepts.
Ability to develop trust, confidence, and cooperation with culturally diverse populations.
Ability to prepare, interpret, and evaluate proposals and modifications.
Ability to coordinate diverse assignments while being sensitive to the needs of agencies concerned.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including speaking before groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental, legislative, community, and business groups.
Ability to plan, direct, and organize administrative services; plan and prioritize work; exercise sound judgment; and maintain confidentiality.
Applicants are subject to a background screening.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree or Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is highly preferred and may substitute for experience.
Institute for Court Management (ICM) Program certification, NACM CORE® Champion Program, or higher.

Responsibilities

Directly manage a division of professionals and paraprofessionals, and consult with judges, magistrates, and the Administrative Team on policies, procedures, and initiatives.
Ensure efficient case management in accordance with established Differentiated Case Management (DCM) guidelines.
Build working relationships with internal units and stakeholders to identify needs and facilitate business resolutions.
Draft, collaborate on, monitor, and execute federal and state grants.
Oversee case-flow activities and Family Division programs and initiatives.
Recommend service enhancements and necessary changes to judges, magistrates, and the Administrative Team.
Participate in hiring, planning, assigning, and directing workload.
Use court knowledge, analytical data, and best practices to resolve matters.
Prepare written correspondence and proposals.
Implement and monitor an approved DCM plan for prompt scheduling and disposition of family law cases.
Manage programs that provide procedural assistance to self-represented litigants.
Resolve matters accurately and promptly in accordance with Maryland Rules and the DCM plan.
Provide information and training to Family Division staff, litigants, and internal customers.
Identify workforce development and employee engagement opportunities, and create and manage training opportunities.
Identify, prepare, and administer state, federal, and local grants and alternative funding sources.
Collaborate with the Finance Department on General Fund matters and evaluate the Family Division’s needs and priorities.
Prepare annual Family Law Grant reporting in accordance with requirements.
Facilitate professional relationships with internal and external business affiliations.
Participate in exhibits, workshops, promotions, and conferences.