Chief Operating Officer - Office of Judicial Administration

at  Kansas Judicial Branch

Position number: K0245892
Location of Employment: Kansas Judicial Center, Topeka, KS 66612
Position Title and Salary: Chief Operating Officer, $150, 601.50 annually
Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits State Employment Center - Benefits (ks.gov)
The Kansas judicial branch seeks a chief operating officer to help advance court innovation and modernization. The successful candidate will be second in command in the Office of Judicial Administration and will report to the judicial administrator. The COO will either lead or help lead efforts to develop, organize, implement, and manage the Office of Judicial Administration. The position will also have a significant role developing organizational goals, values, and policies; providing leadership for programs and special projects; helping with timely implementation of organizational change, policy, and procedure.
The position reports to and services at the pleasure of the judicial administrator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to think and act strategically to carry out the mission of the Office of Judicial Administration.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with judges, other officials and professionals, employees, outside agencies, businesses, and the public.
• Skillfully and professionally communicate in English, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences. Also produce clear, concise, error free documents and reports.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge of Kansas judicial branch operations, including the appellate and district courts.
• Ability to lead, train, and supervise staff; develop and implement policy and procedure; and resolve or recommend solutions to complex problems and situations.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, communicate, and implement innovative approaches to solve problems, improve processes, and meet objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize when change is needed and maintain flexibility when responding to changing demands, which includes being prepared to propose solutions, and provide follow up to ensure that solutions are implemented.
• Ability to organize and lead meetings of employees, judges, and others, and to make oral presentations before judges, officials, employees, and others.
• Strong analytical and organizational skill and ability to function at a high level in a complex organization.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work, without direct daily supervision, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high-pressure atmosphere under severe time constraints

(Position may not include all duties listed and duties listed may not cover all duties that may be performed.)

• Provide leadership, oversight, and support for various initiatives as directed by the judicial administrator.
• Undertake projects and assignments that may require extensive research, analysis, and report writing. As authorized, represent the judicial administrator at various meetings or on boards and committees, and assume the duties of and acts on behalf of the judicial administrator when the administrator is absent.
• May supervise managerial staff and provide direction to other Office of Judicial Administration staff.
• Provide consultation, assistance, and direction to resolve complex or unusual situations, and ensure compliance with relevant policy and procedures.
• Staff various judicial branch projects and committees.
• Manage administrative matters that require conducting special studies, preparing routine or special reports, developing and administering training, or providing for staff technical or professional growth.
• Lead or attend staff and other professional meetings and conferences where information is exchanged and attend technical or professional seminars or conferences to improve professional skills.
• Administer the office’s policy on policies to ensure policies are consistent, harmonious, and up-to-date. Interpret and apply policy and procedure. As directed, manage issues on behalf of the judicial administrator.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in judicial, public, or business administration; human resources development; criminal justice; finance; or a related field. Ten years’ professional, administrative, supervisory, or management experience. A combination of education and experience may substitute if the candidate demonstrates requisite knowledge, skill, and ability. Law degree or other advanced degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to think and act strategically to carry out the mission of the Office of Judicial Administration.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with judges, other officials and professionals, employees, outside agencies, businesses, and the public.
• Skillfully and professionally communicate in English, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences. Also produce clear, concise, error free documents and reports.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge of Kansas judicial branch operations, including the appellate and district courts.
• Ability to lead, train, and supervise staff; develop and implement policy and procedure; and resolve or recommend solutions to complex problems and situations.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, communicate, and implement innovative approaches to solve problems, improve processes, and meet objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize when change is needed and maintain flexibility when responding to changing demands, which includes being prepared to propose solutions, and provide follow up to ensure that solutions are implemented.
• Ability to organize and lead meetings of employees, judges, and others, and to make oral presentations before judges, officials, employees, and others.
• Strong analytical and organizational skill and ability to function at a high level in a complex organization.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work, without direct daily supervision, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high-pressure atmosphere under severe time constraints.