District Courts Administrator

The District Courts Administrator is appointed by the judges of the district courts and serves at the pleasure of those judges (Texas Government Code Sec. 75.401). Working closely with the Local Administrative Judge, the Court Administrator is charged with the responsibility of insuring that the duties assigned to the Administrative Office of the District Courts (DCA) are performed. The DCA serves 67 elected State District Court Judges in Civil, Criminal, Family and Juvenile Divisions and an additional 20 Associate Judges.

The DCA has 50 staff, and there are 167 judicial support staff.

This position represents a unique and exciting executive leadership opportunity to support one of the nation's largest trial court systems. Harris County is seeking a dynamic, experienced and innovative leader with highly developed interpersonal skills to guide the organization. This position requires building and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The Court Administrator provides executive leadership for the Harris County District Courts and implements the policies of the judges of the Courts, with an emphasis on clear, fair and accessible services to the people of Harris County.

The court's work is informed by dedication to equity, access to justice, and service to all communities.

• Provide executive leadership to and manage the Administrative Office of the District Courts (DCA).
• Serve as the courts’ representative in working with other branches of government and their respective agencies including County Commissioners, the Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, other elected officials, and state and national organizations.
• Prepare the District Courts’ annual budget.
• Provide technical assistance to the judges in operational areas such as calendar control, jury management, witness control, personnel services, court technology, and other related matters.
• Routinely monitor the flow of cases through the courts and alert the Administrative Judge of any potential problems and possible solutions.
• Oversee development and maintenance of information resources for the District Courts including desktop and network IT systems, statistical reports, research studies and public information requests.
• Identify organizational and management opportunities for improvement by recommending and implementing procedural and administrative changes.
• Work with county and state offices to ensure that emergency preparedness and business continuity plans are in place in the event of a weather event, pandemic, or other business interruption affecting court operations.
• Work with law enforcement and facilities management to ensure the security of the judiciary, court staff and the public.
• Manage high‑profile court cases involving media relations, crowd control and security concerns.
• Assist Judges with ensuring procedures for appointment and compensation of indigent defense counsel meet statutory requirements, including claims processing and review of high‑cost cases.
• Monitor compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and with Limited English Proficiency requirements to ensure access to justice.
• Manage grant applications and required reports to supplement county general funds for special projects and improvement initiatives.
• Identify current and future facilities needs the courts may experience, including office space, courtrooms, equipment supplies, etc.
• Identify the current and future informational needs of the courts and develop long‑range plans for the maintenance and enhancement of information systems and resources.
• Assist Judges by providing personnel support for all judicial staff.
• Work with judges and staff to develop and conduct continuing education initiatives to assure compliance with any state or locally adopted standards.
• Organize, prioritize and delegate work activities, projects and programs; supervise direct and evaluate staff; address employee issues, concerns and problems; counsel, discipline and prepare performance evaluations.
• Any other such duties as may be assigned by the Board of District Judges and / or the Administrative…