Assistant Executive Officer

Role overview

Operations and organizational leadership

• Oversees major non-judicial operations, programs, and administrative functions, including mandated reports and records.
• Leads multidisciplinary teams and managers delivering reliable services across courthouse locations and case types.
• Drives continuous improvement, metrics, performance accountability, modernization, and process innovation.
• Applies administrative practices across personnel, labor relations, technology, finance, facilities, court security, and court-community relations.
• Administers calendar management, jury management, and other court management practices.

Strategy and collaboration

• Interprets data and partners with the CEO on long-range strategies aligned with judicial priorities and emerging needs.
• Develops and motivates court operations personnel and leads organizational change.
• Serves as senior liaison with judicial officers, justice-system partners, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Coordinates committees and working groups supporting judges and commissioners.

Fiscal stewardship and compliance

• Assists with budget development, resource allocation, fiscal practices, budget strategies, and long-term facility planning.
• Evaluates legislative, regulatory, and judicial branch changes and assists General Counsel with policy responses.
• Ensures non-judicial operations comply with applicable laws, rules of court, and statewide administrative requirements.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in court administration, public administration, business administration, criminal justice, or a related field required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible court or justice-system leadership experience, including executive-level roles.
• Two to three years of experience in organizations with staff represented by bargaining units.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, manage senior managers, and execute strategic initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge of Superior Court functions, California judicial branch governance, and court-county relationships.
• Certified Court Manager and/or Certified Court Executive credentials are highly preferred.

Executive competencies

• Competencies include strategic thinking, executive communication, change management, workforce development, judgment, discretion, stakeholder diplomacy, project management, and fiscal planning.

Working conditions

• Work is performed in a professional office and courthouse environment with frequent engagement with judicial officers, staff, justice-system partners, and the public.
• The role involves competing priorities, sensitive issues, and fast-paced, high-pressure settings.

Benefits

• Benefits include health, dental, and vision plans, CalPERS membership as permitted by law, life insurance, paid holidays, and personal or annual leave.