Court Operations Manager

A full-time permanent opening exists for a Court Operations Manager located in Woodstock, Vermont. 

The Court Operations Manager will have responsibility for daily supervision of Unit Division staff within one or multiple Divisions of the Unit.  These Unit staff may be assigned to duties within any or all Divisions of the Superior Court Unit, or within state-wide courts, if applicable, as necessary. The position requires managerial, administrative, financial, budgeting and public relations work, including responsibility for planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, directing, and evaluating the functions of the Division(s).

The ideal candidate will bring integrity and energy and a strong preference for collaborative problem-solving to this position. They will have the ability to analyze complex problems, and to design and implement workable solutions; ability to mediate conflicts and achieve consensus; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills in all state government positions. The Judiciary is committed to maintaining a positive work environment that ensures all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy.

Essential Job Functions

• The Court Operations Manager (COM) reports directly to the appropriate supervising court clerk. Divisions within the Unit shall be operated within Judicial Branch organizational policies and parameters established by the Court Administrator, including the establishment of strategies and objectives to accomplish the goals identified by the Court Administrator’s Office.
• The COM position involves extensive interaction with the presiding judge, other members of the Judicial Branch, and representatives from various agencies and public and private groups.  
• Work is performed with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative under the guidance of statutory and administrative policies; the rules and procedures relating to Vermont Court operations; personnel policies for the Vermont Judiciary; and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the Vermont Judiciary and the Vermont State Employees’ Association, Inc.
• Perform routine administrative tasks such as: oversight of daily cash management; review and approval of invoices; review and approval of employee time sheets and expenses.  
• Coordinate the scheduling of court resources on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. This requires the complex coordination of many resources including, but not limited to, court rooms, employee work hours and breaks, outside law enforcement availability, judge time, attorney availability, and court equipment.
• Manage vendor/contractor services including, but not limited to: office supplies; relief from abuse (RFA) contractors; postage orders; and maintenance contractors.
• Serve on special judicial branch teams and committees to accomplish judiciary-wide projects, as appointed by the Vermont Supreme Court and/or Court Administrator’s Office and approved by the court clerk.
• Identify court operations that can benefit from information technology and recommend to the court clerk implementation of technological improvements.
• Monitor and report on operational efficiencies, including but not limited to: routine statistical; case flow; financial, and management information; prepare monthly reports such as the financial packets and budgets.
• Recruit, hire (subject to court clerk approval and CAO approval), train, assess and supervise a work force that includes state judiciary employees and contract and volunteer personnel performing technical, casework, security, and clerical functions.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate court records and the timely preparation and distribution of all court documents.
• Maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, jurors, law enforcement officials, representatives of the media, and related public and social service agencies.

The above functions describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees of this classification.  The listing is not intended to include all of the responsibilities, duties and skills required of this classification.  Actual assigned duties may differ due to the varying needs of the Judiciary.

Minimum Requirements 
Education Qualification: Bachelor's degree (8 semesters)
Alternative to Education Qualification: Work experience may be substituted for education on six months for one semester basis.

Experience: Four years of management experience in a public or private organization
Alternative to Experience Qualification: Six years prior court or related legal experience may be substituted for four years of management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A thorough knowledge of the management of the courts and case-flow techniques.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, jurors, law enforcement officials, representatives of the media, and related public and social service agencies.

Total Compensation

As a State of Vermont employee, you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

This is an exempt/ salaried Judicial Branch position with an annual salary equivalent of $73,811.  Occasional travel to other locations throughout the state may be required. Private means of transportation is necessary. Travel will be reimbursed according to reimbursement policies of the State of Vermont.  Job code # 24003

The Judicial Branch is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and the recruitment process is designed to treat all applicants equitably.