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NEOGOV · 19 hours ago

District Courts Administrator

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$144K/yr - $216K/yr

10+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking a District Courts Administrator who will serve as the chief executive officer for the District Courts’ administrative enterprise in Harris County. The role involves providing strategic, operational, fiscal, and policy leadership for a complex District Court system, overseeing a large team, and ensuring the effective administration of justice.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the Administrative Office of the District Courts (DCA), serving as the chief administrative executive responsible for the governance, operations, and support functions of the District Courts

Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of strategic and operational plans for the District Courts, ensuring alignment with judicial priorities, statutory mandates, constitutional obligations, and long-term institutional objectives

Oversee and coordinate the work of DCA leadership and management staff, establishing clear expectations, accountability frameworks, and performance standards across all administrative functions supporting the District Courts

Serve as the principal administrative liaison between the Board of District Judges, the Local Administrative Judge, County Commissioners, and other internal and external stakeholders, promoting clear communication, transparency, accountability, and effective intergovernmental coordination

Direct the preparation, presentation, and administration of the District Courts’ annual operating budget, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship, compliance with applicable laws and policies, and alignment with judicial priorities

Provide executive advisement and operational support to the judiciary on court administration matters, including caseflow management, calendar control, jury administration, indigent defense processes, personnel services, court technology, and related functions

Monitor and assess court performance, caseflow, and operational capacity, and lead continuous improvement and modernization initiatives through data-informed decision-making and administrative reform

Provide strategic oversight of information technology, data, and records systems supporting the District Courts, including long-range planning for case management systems, reporting capabilities, cybersecurity, public information requests, and technology modernization

Ensure continuity of judicial operations by leading emergency preparedness, disaster response, and business continuity planning in coordination with county and state partners during weather events, public health emergencies, or other disruptions

Coordinate with law enforcement, facilities management, and security partners to ensure the safety and security of judges, court personnel, jurors, litigants, and the public, including oversight of high-profile, high-risk, or sensitive court proceedings

Ensure compliance with statutory and constitutional requirements related to indigent defense, including appointment processes, compensation, claims review, and oversight of high-cost cases

Ensure system wide compliance with accessibility and equity requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) standards, to promote fair and equitable access to justice

Direct the pursuit and administration of grants and external funding, including compliance with reporting requirements, to support innovation, modernization, and special initiatives

Qualification

Court administration expertiseStrategic leadershipPublic-sector budgetingOrganizational change managementInformation technology knowledgeData analyticsPerformance measurement systemsDiplomatic skillsAnalytical skillsCommitment to equityHigh ethical standardsCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving skillsDecision-making skills

Required

Bachelor's Degree from an academically accredited college or university

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in court administration, justice system operations, or a closely related public-sector executive environment

Minimum of seven (7) years in a senior managerial or executive leadership role overseeing complex court administrative functions, including supervision of managers and responsibility for multiple operational domains

Comprehensive knowledge of modern court administration principles, judicial governance structures, and best practices applicable to large, complex trial court systems

Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership for a judicial organization, including setting priorities, aligning resources, and executing long-term operational and institutional objectives

Strong understanding of public-sector budgeting, financial management, and fiscal stewardship, including experience overseeing large, complex budgets and ensuring accountability and compliance

Proven ability to lead organizational change, modernization initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts in complex, high-accountability public institutions

Ability to navigate constitutional, statutory, and policy frameworks governing court operations while preserving judicial independence and public trust

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills, with the ability to work effectively with judges, elected officials, senior government leaders, staff, external partners, and the public

Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams and executive staff, establishing performance expectations, and fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and collaboration

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to assess operational risks, evaluate alternatives, and make sound judgments in high-pressure and high-visibility environments

Knowledge of and experience with information technology, data analytics, and performance measurement systems used to support court operations, transparency, and evidence-based decision making

Commitment to equity, accessibility, and fairness in the administration of justice, including compliance with ADA, language access, and other access-to-justice requirements

High ethical standards and a demonstrated commitment to transparency, integrity, and public accountability in judicial administration