The Position
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is seeking to hire an experienced leader as the next Court Administrator for the Massachusetts Trial Court. With guidance from the Supreme Judicial Court, the Court Administrator, working collaboratively with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, leads the Trial Court, the largest component of the Massachusetts Judicial Branch with seven court departments, over 6,000 employees, and more than 100 locations.
The Court Administrator serves as the administrative head of the Trial Court, and manages operations that support the judges, clerks, and staff who work to deliver justice. The position calls for a leader with a broad understanding of executive management, and organizational change and improvement. The position was created by statute (G.L. c. 211B, section 9A), which sets forth the authority and duties of the office.
Key Areas of Focus for the Court Administrator
Information Technology. Provide leadership in information technology, including cybersecurity, to ensure that major initiatives receive the oversight and support necessary for timely and successful implementation.
Human Resources. Oversee the Human Resources team in the delivery of programs and services to the organization.
Security. Oversee the security department to ensure that courthouses are safe and secure and that a well-trained and managed security team serves court personnel and the public.
Budgeting and Fiscal Affairs. Oversee the preparation of annual budgets for the Trial Court and represent the Trial Court in budget communications with the Legislature and the Office of the Governor.
Capital Management. Work closely with the Supreme Judicial Court and the Chief Justice of the Trial Court to prepare a comprehensive capital plan that includes, but is not limited to, information technology and facilities. Also work with the Governor’s Office and the Legislature to obtain the funding required to realize that plan.
Facilities Management. Responsible for ensuring that 100+ court facilities throughout the state provide a safe, healthy, and functional environment for court personnel and members of the public to conduct court business.
Strategic Planning and Successful Execution. Working at all levels of the Trial Court, the Court Administrator and the Chief Justice of the Trial Court work to develop strategic plans and drive progress in their execution.
Communication and Relationships Beyond the Trial Court. In concert with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, serve as an important conduit between the Trial Court and external constituencies by establishing productive and ongoing relationships with officials of the Executive Branch, the Legislature, the media, the bar, and other external associations.
Diversity and Inclusion. In partnership with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, ensure that all programs and initiatives of the Trial Court support and enhance the courts’ dedication to delivering justice by addressing bias, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and eradicating discrimination, while building the capacity of others to do the same.
Qualifications and Experience
The professional requirements and preferred personal attributes of the ideal candidate include, but are not limited to, the following:
General Background:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. An advanced degree in law, business administration, public administration, or related discipline is preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of public or private sector executive-level experience leading administrative functions including technology, human resources, facilities, and finance, with experience overseeing executive level positions, including the ability to develop a strong executive leadership team. The candidate's background should demonstrate substantial growth and advancement in successive management positions both as to level of responsibility as well as the difficulty and complexity of duties and projects.
- Demonstrated understanding of the Massachusetts Trial Court, legal systems, and the law is preferred.
Management and Communication Skills:
- Ability to work as a coequal manager and to maintain, with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, a model for cooperative governance of the Trial Court.
- Experience working within a complex organization in a high-pressure, high-impact, high-profile position.
- Experience managing multiple priorities.
- Working knowledge and experience related to the management of information technology professionals and major information technology operations and projects, including innovative technologies to enhance operations.
- An understanding of intergovernmental relations and the public appropriations process. The ability to work with legislators and members of the Executive Branch to obtain the funding and structural support necessary for the court system to carry out its mission.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Commitment to the collection and use of performance measures and evaluation at all levels of the Trial Court and to a model of data-driven management.
- Good judgment, understanding, and tact to build and maintain working relationships with courts and with local, state, and federal government officials, members of the Bar, and the public. Experience working with top leadership in organizations inside and outside of government.
- Experience managing facilities across many locations with a priority of providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and members of the public.
- General knowledge of Human Resources disciplines – organizational structure, employment law compliance, classification, compensation, staffing, performance management, employee development, and employee relations and engagement. An understanding of the legal requirements that apply to employers operating within a unionized work environment.
- Experience in public speaking.
Personal Attributes:
- Outstanding communication and teambuilding skills, as well as business and political savvy. A leadership style that is collaborative, inclusive and empowers others to succeed.
- Demonstrated sound judgment and analytical skills.
- The confidence, wisdom, and courage to make difficult choices when needs are abundant and resources are not.
- Strong listening skills, patience, high energy, and a sense of humor.
- Integrity and the ability to understand, promote, and model high ethical standards.
Compensation and Term
By statute, the Court Administrator and the Chief Justice of the Trial Court receive identical salaries. The current salary, as determined by statute, is $220,160, plus an excellent benefits package.
By statute, the initial appointment would be for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment to a second five-year term.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to CourtAdministratorSubmissions@jud.state.ma.us.
Candidate evaluation will begin immediately, and the posting will remain open until the position is filled.