GAL Program Admin

Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program•St. Paul, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Guardian ad Litem Program Administrator is a highly responsible, senior-level managerial and administrative position providing direction and oversight of administrative activities for the State Guardian ad Litem Program. This role oversees organizational strategy, statewide operations, legislative engagement, financial management, policy implementation, and staff leadership across a complex public-sector child advocacy organization. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Board seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Program Administrator. Reporting directly to the State Guardian ad Litem Board, the Program Administrator serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the statewide Guardian ad Litem Program.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership experience within child welfare, family court, public-sector, judicial branch, legal, or closely related systems.
Strong understanding of Minnesota child welfare statutes, court processes, and related systems.
Experience leading complex organizations, programs, or statewide operations.
Experience working with boards, public agencies, legislators, and external stakeholders.
Strong strategic planning, operational leadership, and organizational management skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build trust, and navigate complex organizational environments.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public presentation skills.
Experience managing budgets, public resources, and organizational operations.
Ability to lead with sound judgment, decisiveness, and clarity in complex situations.
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, behavioral sciences, law, public policy, or a related field is required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees such as an MSW, JD, MPA, or related graduate degree are preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the administrative representative of the statewide program in meetings and on committees and task forces with the courts, program stakeholder groups, the public and the media.
Analyzes program policies, guidelines, procedures, and practices, and recommends adjustments in response to changing organizational needs and external benchmarks.
Oversees the daily operations of the GALP; conducts as needed meetings to coordinate work of the office to identify emerging issues and problems and to develop strategies and action plans.
Oversees and directs the work of various GAL program staff as determined by the board.
Assists with the GALP strategic plan development and monitoring to assure it furthers program priorities.
Creates performance and development plans for assigned GALP managers, conducts periodic discussions on progress, and prepares written performance for their direct reports.
Assists with the development and monitoring of the GALP budgets.
Collaborates with management, HR, and Program Board regarding grievance process.
Represents the GALP and the Program Administrator to the GAL Board and external justice partners and other branches of government.
Cohesive collaboration with the GAL board.