Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

Overview

King County Superior Court (KCSC) has an executive leadership opportunity to support one of the nation’s largest trial courts with a staff of approximately 400 employees. Located in the Pacific Northwest, King County Superior Court is nationally recognized for innovation and serves the county’s 12th most populous area.

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the leadership and oversight of daily operations of King County Superior Court, overseeing operational departments across the court and supervising directors and senior managers. The incumbent provides support and consultation to the court s Chief Administrative Officer in interpreting and implementing the policies promulgated by the court s 56 elected judges.

We are seeking candidates with exceptional executive leadership, critical thinking, and analytical skills who exhibit political savvy and integrity. This position is critical in supporting the needs of King County Superior Court with creativity, innovation, strong customer service, and a technology-forward focus. The most competitive candidates place a high value on a diverse workforce, efficient and effective operating principles, and collaboration and team building.

It is the vision of KCSC to be open to all, trusted by all, and to provide justice for all. To fulfill Superior Court s Mission, Values, and Vision, employees at all levels serve the complex needs of a diverse population of Court users. Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation. At KCSC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging.

• Oversee the operations of Superior Court to ensure effective and efficient achievement of the organization s goals and objectives.
• Coordinate with the Executive Branch of King County regarding infrastructural technology support for the court. Develop, prioritize and advocate related capital improvement projects on behalf of the court. Represent the court and provide input and recommendations to countywide projects and initiatives.
• Supervise assigned Court department directors in court administrative activities. Establish and maintain ongoing communication and status updates with directors. Supervise the Court’s DEI and training manager.
• Ensure collaboration and alignment between the Court s operations and the Department of Judicial Administration (Clerk s Office).
• With department directors, lead negotiations with collective bargaining units. Maintain clear communications and relationships with union representatives, the King County Office of Labor Relations, and represented staff. Represent organizational and management interests in labor negotiations.
• Represent administration and operational interests in court committees. Identify issues and recommend solutions to conflicts among internal court departments and/or among competing projects. Determine project deliverables.
• Assist the CAO in the preparation of the Court s annual budget. Oversee and monitor departmental budgets and expenditures. Analyze annual departmental needs and make budget recommendations.
• Provide direction and input in determining job responsibilities, methods, and performance standards for the Court s senior management team. Establish work objectives and recommendations for departmental changes.
• Serve as Acting CAO in the CAO s absence; make decisions and provide overall direction and guidance for all court employees, managers and directors.

Bachelor s degree or higher in public administration or related field. A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory and management experience, preferably in a large, complex urban court system or public service environment.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of and experience executing:

• Management theories and practices, Judicial trends, and best practices
• Applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to court operations
• Organizational planning and management
• Human resource management, labor law, and contract negotiations
• Team building and organizational goal setting
• Policy development
• Budgeting and strategic planning…