State of Alaska
Area Court Administrator 2 - Fourth Judicial District
State of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States, 99712
The Position
The Alaska Court System is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of
Area Court Administrator (ACA) for the Fourth Judicial District , based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Working closely with the Presiding Judge of the district and the Administrative Office of the Courts, this key leadership position will plan, implement, direct, and monitor all non-judicial operations for the trial courts within the Fourth Judicial District. As a member of the court system’s statewide management team, the ACA works in partnership with the Chief Justice, the Administrative Director, the four Presiding Judges, and three other Area Court Administrators to shape and implement statewide judicial policies and initiatives. This is a supervisory position with substantial authority to employee, discipline, and adjudicate the grievances of subordinate employees. This position is classified as partially-exempt and serves “at-will” to the appointing authorities.
The Organization Alaska has a unified, centrally-funded court system for the operation of the appellate and trial courts. The state’s trial courts are organized into four judicial districts. Administration of each district is the responsibility of a presiding judge supported by an ACA. The presiding judge is appointed by the chief justice. All court operations are state-funded, including court facilities. The Alaska Court System has approximately 110 judicial officers (justices, judges, magistrate judges, and deputy magistrates) and 640 court personnel. Judges are appointed through a merit-based system and then stand for retention. The Fourth Judicial District includes Interior Alaska and the northern region of Southwest Alaska. It extends from the Canadian border in the east to the Bering Sea in the west. The vast size of this region makes it the largest state trial court judicial district in the United States. Combined superior and district court locations are located in Bethel, at the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, and in Fairbanks, the regional hub of Interior Alaska. District courts served by magistrate judges are located in eight rural communities in the region: Aniak, Delta Junction, Emmonak, Fort Yukon, Galena, Hooper Bay, Nenana, and Tok. The Fourth Judicial District is served by 22 judicial officers (8 superior court judges, 4 district court judges, 7 magistrate judges, and 3 deputy magistrates), and approximately 90 court personnel. Location Information The administrative offices of the Fourth Judicial District are located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city with a population of 32,496 in the city, and 95,655 in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Fairbanks is located in the heart of Alaska’s Interior on the banks of the Chena River in the Tanana Valley. The Fairbanks area is home to the flagship campus of the University of Alaska and two military bases: Fort Wainwright (US Army) and Eielson Air Force Base. Denali National Park is within a 3-hour drive.
Fairbanks offers an abundance of outdoor activities throughout the year. Interior Alaska is a prime viewing area of the aurora borealis. Duties and Responsibilities Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following tasks. Assigned duties may be changed to accommodate workload, budget, and organizational needs. Supervise the district’s clerks of court, Rural Court Administrator, and Trial Court Trainer who oversee training of rural clerks of court and other court staff; Plan, develop, and implement long and short-term policies, goals, objectives, and priorities for the district’s trial courts; Develop policies related to court coverage and the establishment of district goals and objectives and strategic planning; Prepare, submit, and manage the district’s operating budget. Make recommendations to the presiding judge on staffing levels, office space, and equipment, in coordination with the administrative office. Monitor the budget and assure that expenditures are in accordance with the budget plan; Monitor, analyze, and evaluate the district’s case flow management and the assignment and calendaring of cases; Serve as a liaison for the trial court with various public and private organizations, individuals, the media, and other government agencies within the district; Coordinate with the Director of Security and Emergency Management to conduct court facility security assessments, develop security related requests, ensure emergency preparedness plans are in place; During visits to local courts, independently review court functions and procedures for compliance with court system rules, policies, and procedures.
Distinguishing Characteristics of an Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate must be a leader with: An established track record of high performance in a complex organization; The ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with others; The ability to create a positive work environment; The ability to analyze data and make data informed decisions and recommendations; The ability to filter requests from subordinates and judicial officers and exercise independent judgment according to rules, administrative bulletins, statutes, and policies to determine whether request should be granted, denied, or elevated to the appropriate decision-maker; The ability to clearly communicate court policies and their underlying rationale to staff and judges, including delivering constructive criticism; The ability to treat everyone in the courthouse with dignity and respect.
Working Conditions This is a full-time position with a regular schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. The incumbent must be available outside of court business hours for emergencies and unexpected interruptions to court operations. The duties require frequent in-person, telephone, and videoconference contact with people from diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience and knowledge. Frequent workday and overnight travel is required. This includes travel by automobile, commercial jet, and small plane. Accommodations in rural communities are limited; weather delays are common. Travel in rural Alaska requires flexibility and a sense of adventure.
Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; AND Four years of progressively responsible supervisory and managerial experience. We will consider experience demonstrative of leadership capabilities in lieu of supervisory experience. Note:
Four years of additional managerial and supervisory experience in court administration will substitute for the required bachelor’s degree.
Desirable Qualifications Court or public sector management experience A certificate from the National Center for State Court’s Court Management Program A Fellow’s certificate from the National Center for State Court’s Institute for Court Management Program A Juris Doctor or other advanced degree
Compensation and Benefits The minimum salary for this position is $127,627.50 per year based on the court’s current budget. The court’s practice is to begin employees at the first step on the salary schedule. However, a higher starting salary may be considered depending upon the applicant’s current salary, education, and experience. The court’s salary schedule provides annual increases between step A and step F. After step F, employees are currently eligible for a step increase at two-year intervals. We provide a variety of benefits for employees, which are a significant part of the total compensation package. The following are typical benefits available to our employees: Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); Medical and dental coverage for employee and eligible dependents; Vision plan (optional); 12 paid holidays per year; Personal leave accrual based on years of creditable state service, starting at 3 weeks; Retirement programs with a wide variety of investment options; Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan (SBS) in lieu of contributions to Social Security; Alaska Deferred Compensation Plan (optional).
See
http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/index.html
for additional information. A moving and relocation allowance is available. Court Expectations Because of the Alaska Court System’s role in providing justice and upholding the rule of law, employees are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and also to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect upon the court system.
Criminal History Check The selection process includes a criminal history check. Any convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be a bar to employment if the circumstances of the crime are directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Qualified applicants should submit: A comprehensive resume; A letter of interest explaining your relevant education and experience, how you personify the characteristics of an ideal candidate, and the manner in which you meet or exceed the minimum qualifications; and A list of three professional references with current contact information.
LEGAL RIGHT TO ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment.
The State of Alaska does not function as an employer sponsor. For more information on the Alaska Court System, please visit: http://www.courts.alaska.gov
For information about what state courts do, please watch the following short video: VIDEO: The who, what, when, where and how of state courts
The Alaska Court System is an EEO employer and proudly promotes diversity.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college AND four years of professional experience in court administration, general administration, or management analysis; OR Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree AND two years of professional level management and supervisory experience in a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction, justice agency, or law office. OR A graduate degree from an accredited university in judicial, public, or business administration AND two years of professional level management and supervisory experience in a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction, justice agency, or law office. OR Eight years of supervisory/management work experience as the Clerk of Court or Chief Deputy Clerk of a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction. Note: The required court administration experience is met by service such as a Clerk of Court 4, V or 5; Magistrate 3 or 4; Rural Court Training Assistant 3; or Chief Deputy Clerk 3 with the Alaska Court System, or similar experience with a state or federal court system or a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction. The required general administration or management analysis experience is met by service such as an Administrative Officer or Administrative Operations Manager with the State of Alaska, or similar management experience with another employer. Additional professional work experience in court administration, general administration, or management analysis will substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis. A certificate from the National Center for State Court's Court Management Program (CMP) will substitute for one year of the required work experience.
A Fellow's certificate from the National Center for State Court's Institute for Court Management Program will substitute for two years of the required work experience. This applies to your application submission.
Documents to be Attached to the Application (REQUIRED): Post-secondary transcripts, if using education to meet minimum qualifications; A comprehensive resume; A letter of interest; A list of three professional references with current contact information.
Documents to be Submitted at the Time of Interview (REQUIRED): If you are selected to advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process, you must provide the following at the time of the interview (if not already attached to your application): Copies of your most recent (2) performance evaluations, if available.
WORK HISTORY If using work experience not already documented in your application, provide the employer’s name, your job title, dates of employment and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and Minimum Qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant will not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
EDUCATION If post-secondary education is required to meet the Minimum Qualifications, you must fill in the Education and Training section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of credit hours earned in the Degree Obtained field. Copies of academic transcripts will be required at time of interview.
SELECTION PROCEDURE Applicants will be required to meet the Minimum Qualifications as outlined above. Unfortunately, we cannot always interview all applicants. If your application is considered "not qualified," you will be sent a notice within two weeks after the closing date for this recruitment. If you believe your application was improperly disqualified, you may appeal this decision to the Human Resources Director at 820 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501-2005 within five workdays from the date the notice is mailed to you. Qualified applications will be forwarded to the hiring supervisor.
NEPOTISM REVIEW To avoid a conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety, applicants who have a spouse, close relative, and/or regular member of their household employed by the Alaska Court System may not be considered for employment without the approval of the Administrative Director .
BACKGROUND CHECK A background check will be conducted prior to an employment offer being made. Applicants who have prior convictions that have been set aside under the terms of a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) may answer "no" to these questions. If you are not sure if your situation requires disclosure, please contact the Human Resources Department at (907) 264-8242. The Court System reserves the right to confirm all background information.
Contact Title:
Recruitment E-Mail:
recruitment@akcourts.gov Mailing Address: 820 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone Number: (907) 264-8242
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Area Court Administrator (ACA) for the Fourth Judicial District , based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Working closely with the Presiding Judge of the district and the Administrative Office of the Courts, this key leadership position will plan, implement, direct, and monitor all non-judicial operations for the trial courts within the Fourth Judicial District. As a member of the court system’s statewide management team, the ACA works in partnership with the Chief Justice, the Administrative Director, the four Presiding Judges, and three other Area Court Administrators to shape and implement statewide judicial policies and initiatives. This is a supervisory position with substantial authority to employee, discipline, and adjudicate the grievances of subordinate employees. This position is classified as partially-exempt and serves “at-will” to the appointing authorities.
The Organization Alaska has a unified, centrally-funded court system for the operation of the appellate and trial courts. The state’s trial courts are organized into four judicial districts. Administration of each district is the responsibility of a presiding judge supported by an ACA. The presiding judge is appointed by the chief justice. All court operations are state-funded, including court facilities. The Alaska Court System has approximately 110 judicial officers (justices, judges, magistrate judges, and deputy magistrates) and 640 court personnel. Judges are appointed through a merit-based system and then stand for retention. The Fourth Judicial District includes Interior Alaska and the northern region of Southwest Alaska. It extends from the Canadian border in the east to the Bering Sea in the west. The vast size of this region makes it the largest state trial court judicial district in the United States. Combined superior and district court locations are located in Bethel, at the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, and in Fairbanks, the regional hub of Interior Alaska. District courts served by magistrate judges are located in eight rural communities in the region: Aniak, Delta Junction, Emmonak, Fort Yukon, Galena, Hooper Bay, Nenana, and Tok. The Fourth Judicial District is served by 22 judicial officers (8 superior court judges, 4 district court judges, 7 magistrate judges, and 3 deputy magistrates), and approximately 90 court personnel. Location Information The administrative offices of the Fourth Judicial District are located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city with a population of 32,496 in the city, and 95,655 in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Fairbanks is located in the heart of Alaska’s Interior on the banks of the Chena River in the Tanana Valley. The Fairbanks area is home to the flagship campus of the University of Alaska and two military bases: Fort Wainwright (US Army) and Eielson Air Force Base. Denali National Park is within a 3-hour drive.
Fairbanks offers an abundance of outdoor activities throughout the year. Interior Alaska is a prime viewing area of the aurora borealis. Duties and Responsibilities Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following tasks. Assigned duties may be changed to accommodate workload, budget, and organizational needs. Supervise the district’s clerks of court, Rural Court Administrator, and Trial Court Trainer who oversee training of rural clerks of court and other court staff; Plan, develop, and implement long and short-term policies, goals, objectives, and priorities for the district’s trial courts; Develop policies related to court coverage and the establishment of district goals and objectives and strategic planning; Prepare, submit, and manage the district’s operating budget. Make recommendations to the presiding judge on staffing levels, office space, and equipment, in coordination with the administrative office. Monitor the budget and assure that expenditures are in accordance with the budget plan; Monitor, analyze, and evaluate the district’s case flow management and the assignment and calendaring of cases; Serve as a liaison for the trial court with various public and private organizations, individuals, the media, and other government agencies within the district; Coordinate with the Director of Security and Emergency Management to conduct court facility security assessments, develop security related requests, ensure emergency preparedness plans are in place; During visits to local courts, independently review court functions and procedures for compliance with court system rules, policies, and procedures.
Distinguishing Characteristics of an Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate must be a leader with: An established track record of high performance in a complex organization; The ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with others; The ability to create a positive work environment; The ability to analyze data and make data informed decisions and recommendations; The ability to filter requests from subordinates and judicial officers and exercise independent judgment according to rules, administrative bulletins, statutes, and policies to determine whether request should be granted, denied, or elevated to the appropriate decision-maker; The ability to clearly communicate court policies and their underlying rationale to staff and judges, including delivering constructive criticism; The ability to treat everyone in the courthouse with dignity and respect.
Working Conditions This is a full-time position with a regular schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. The incumbent must be available outside of court business hours for emergencies and unexpected interruptions to court operations. The duties require frequent in-person, telephone, and videoconference contact with people from diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience and knowledge. Frequent workday and overnight travel is required. This includes travel by automobile, commercial jet, and small plane. Accommodations in rural communities are limited; weather delays are common. Travel in rural Alaska requires flexibility and a sense of adventure.
Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; AND Four years of progressively responsible supervisory and managerial experience. We will consider experience demonstrative of leadership capabilities in lieu of supervisory experience. Note:
Four years of additional managerial and supervisory experience in court administration will substitute for the required bachelor’s degree.
Desirable Qualifications Court or public sector management experience A certificate from the National Center for State Court’s Court Management Program A Fellow’s certificate from the National Center for State Court’s Institute for Court Management Program A Juris Doctor or other advanced degree
Compensation and Benefits The minimum salary for this position is $127,627.50 per year based on the court’s current budget. The court’s practice is to begin employees at the first step on the salary schedule. However, a higher starting salary may be considered depending upon the applicant’s current salary, education, and experience. The court’s salary schedule provides annual increases between step A and step F. After step F, employees are currently eligible for a step increase at two-year intervals. We provide a variety of benefits for employees, which are a significant part of the total compensation package. The following are typical benefits available to our employees: Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); Medical and dental coverage for employee and eligible dependents; Vision plan (optional); 12 paid holidays per year; Personal leave accrual based on years of creditable state service, starting at 3 weeks; Retirement programs with a wide variety of investment options; Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan (SBS) in lieu of contributions to Social Security; Alaska Deferred Compensation Plan (optional).
See
http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/index.html
for additional information. A moving and relocation allowance is available. Court Expectations Because of the Alaska Court System’s role in providing justice and upholding the rule of law, employees are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and also to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect upon the court system.
Criminal History Check The selection process includes a criminal history check. Any convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be a bar to employment if the circumstances of the crime are directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Qualified applicants should submit: A comprehensive resume; A letter of interest explaining your relevant education and experience, how you personify the characteristics of an ideal candidate, and the manner in which you meet or exceed the minimum qualifications; and A list of three professional references with current contact information.
LEGAL RIGHT TO ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment.
The State of Alaska does not function as an employer sponsor. For more information on the Alaska Court System, please visit: http://www.courts.alaska.gov
For information about what state courts do, please watch the following short video: VIDEO: The who, what, when, where and how of state courts
The Alaska Court System is an EEO employer and proudly promotes diversity.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college AND four years of professional experience in court administration, general administration, or management analysis; OR Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree AND two years of professional level management and supervisory experience in a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction, justice agency, or law office. OR A graduate degree from an accredited university in judicial, public, or business administration AND two years of professional level management and supervisory experience in a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction, justice agency, or law office. OR Eight years of supervisory/management work experience as the Clerk of Court or Chief Deputy Clerk of a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction. Note: The required court administration experience is met by service such as a Clerk of Court 4, V or 5; Magistrate 3 or 4; Rural Court Training Assistant 3; or Chief Deputy Clerk 3 with the Alaska Court System, or similar experience with a state or federal court system or a multi-judge court of general trial jurisdiction. The required general administration or management analysis experience is met by service such as an Administrative Officer or Administrative Operations Manager with the State of Alaska, or similar management experience with another employer. Additional professional work experience in court administration, general administration, or management analysis will substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis. A certificate from the National Center for State Court's Court Management Program (CMP) will substitute for one year of the required work experience.
A Fellow's certificate from the National Center for State Court's Institute for Court Management Program will substitute for two years of the required work experience. This applies to your application submission.
Documents to be Attached to the Application (REQUIRED): Post-secondary transcripts, if using education to meet minimum qualifications; A comprehensive resume; A letter of interest; A list of three professional references with current contact information.
Documents to be Submitted at the Time of Interview (REQUIRED): If you are selected to advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process, you must provide the following at the time of the interview (if not already attached to your application): Copies of your most recent (2) performance evaluations, if available.
WORK HISTORY If using work experience not already documented in your application, provide the employer’s name, your job title, dates of employment and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and Minimum Qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant will not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
EDUCATION If post-secondary education is required to meet the Minimum Qualifications, you must fill in the Education and Training section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of credit hours earned in the Degree Obtained field. Copies of academic transcripts will be required at time of interview.
SELECTION PROCEDURE Applicants will be required to meet the Minimum Qualifications as outlined above. Unfortunately, we cannot always interview all applicants. If your application is considered "not qualified," you will be sent a notice within two weeks after the closing date for this recruitment. If you believe your application was improperly disqualified, you may appeal this decision to the Human Resources Director at 820 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501-2005 within five workdays from the date the notice is mailed to you. Qualified applications will be forwarded to the hiring supervisor.
NEPOTISM REVIEW To avoid a conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety, applicants who have a spouse, close relative, and/or regular member of their household employed by the Alaska Court System may not be considered for employment without the approval of the Administrative Director .
BACKGROUND CHECK A background check will be conducted prior to an employment offer being made. Applicants who have prior convictions that have been set aside under the terms of a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) may answer "no" to these questions. If you are not sure if your situation requires disclosure, please contact the Human Resources Department at (907) 264-8242. The Court System reserves the right to confirm all background information.
Contact Title:
Recruitment E-Mail:
recruitment@akcourts.gov Mailing Address: 820 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone Number: (907) 264-8242
#J-18808-Ljbffr