Employment Opportunity
Court Administrator for the Massachusetts Trial Court

This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Please apply as directed under "Application" and not through MassCareers portal.

The Position

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is seeking to hire an experienced, dynamic leader as the next Court Administrator for the Massachusetts Trial Court. With guidance from the Supreme Judicial Court, the Court Administrator, along with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, leads the Trial Court, the largest component of the Massachusetts Judicial Branch with seven individual court departments, over 6,000 employees, and more than 100 locations. An exceptional leader is required for this position given the range of responsibilities and additional challenges faced by the court system due to the pandemic.

The Court Administrator serves as the administrative head of the Trial Court, and is charged with managing operations that provide effective, timely, and innovative support to the judges, clerks, and staff who work daily to deliver justice. The Court Administrator works closely and collaboratively with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and is responsible for the administrative functions that support the courts, including budget preparation and oversight, labor relations and personnel policy, information technology, facilities management, capital projects, and security. The Court Administrator position was created by statute. G.L. c. 211B, section 9A sets forth the powers and duties of the office.

This individual will be expected to bring innovative vision, strategic thinking, and best practice solutions to support a continuous improvement culture in a high-performance organization. The successful candidate must have the ability to collaborate, build consensus, motivate, and inspire others to realize and implement the Trial Court’s goals and vision and to build a state-of-the-art, 21st Century model of court management excellence. This position calls for a leader with a broad understanding of executive management, organizational change and improvement, the legislative appropriations process, budgeting, capital planning and facilities management, labor relations, and information technology.

Key Areas of Focus

Information Technology. The Court Administrator provides leadership in the area of information technology to ensure that major project initiatives receive the oversight and support necessary for timely and successful implementation.

Human Resources. The Court Administrator oversees the Human Resources team in the delivery of HR programs and services to the organization.

Security. The Court Administrator oversees 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.

Diversity and Inclusion. The courts are committed to delivering justice by addressing bias, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and eradicating discrimination, while building the capacity of others to do the same. In partnership with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, the Court Administrator is responsible for ensuring that all programs and initiatives of the Trial Court support and enhance this commitment.

Budgeting and Fiscal Affairs. The Court Administrator oversees the preparation of annual budgets for the Trial Court and represents the Trial Court in budget negotiations with the Legislature, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, and the Office of the Governor.

Capital Management. The Court Administrator works 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. The Court Administrator also works with the Governor’s Office and the Legislature to obtain the funding required to actualize that plan.

Facilities Management. The Court Administrator is 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 system, the Court Administrator and the Chief Justice of the Trial Court work to develop strategic plans and drive demonstrable progress in their execution, resulting in better delivery of justice across the state.

Communication and Relationships Beyond the Trial Court. In concert with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, the Court Administrator serves 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.

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.

Application

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Jennifer MacBeth at jennifer.macbeth@jud.state.ma.us.

Candidate evaluation will begin immediately and proceed on a rolling basis. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

The Supreme Judicial Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all interested persons to apply.