OCJ - Trial Court Administrator

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•$255,000 - $290,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Trial Court Administrator serves as the chief non-judicial executive officer of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the second-largest unified court system in the United States. Serving 5.2 million residents and comprised of approximately 950 square miles. Reporting directly to the Chief Judge, the Administrator is responsible for the comprehensive planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of the Court’s administrative operations. This executive leader provides strategic oversight of all non-judicial divisions and departments, ensuring the efficient, effective, and accountable delivery of court services across the County. The Administrator partners closely with the judiciary to support the Court in fulfilling its constitutional and statutory responsibilities to the residents of Cook County. The Circuit Court is comprised of more than 400 judges and approximately 3,000 employees. In addition to overseeing court operations across multiple districts and specialized divisions, the Court maintains administrative responsibility for the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, Adult Probation Department, Social Service Department, Juvenile Probation Department, Court Reporters, Court Interpreters and Clinical Forensic Services, further underscoring the scope and complexity of this leadership role. The Court also maintains administrative oversight of 16 court facilities that house court operations, reflecting the significant operational, logistical, and fiscal responsibilities inherent in the administration of one of the largest unified court systems in the nation.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university, with a BA or BS degree, and ten (10) years of highly responsible court managerial experience, seven (7) years of which must have been at the executive level, directing financial, budgetary, employee and labor relations, information technology and public relations, in a large, complex organization.
Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation required.
Establish residency in Cook County within six (6) months of hiring
Comprehensive knowledge of judicial systems, court administration principles, and applicable statutes and rules.
Demonstrated ability to implement policies and administrative directives.
Proven executive leadership, strategic thinking, and change management skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
Ability to manage complex organizations, competing priorities, and large-scale initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Court Administration, Public Administration or Justice Management or related fields, Juris Doctor, or equivalent advanced degree.
Certification through the Institute for Court Management as a Certified Court Executive (CCE) or Fellowship.
Experience within a large, urban court system or governmental organization.