CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR
CLASSIFICATION: EXECUTIVE / SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS TO: CHIEF JUDGE, CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
GRADE: 24
SALARY: $255,000 TO $290,000 (COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE)
LOCATION: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
General Description
The Trial Court Administrator serves as the chief non-judicial executive officer of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the second-largest unified court system in the United States. Serving 5.2 million residents and comprised of approximately 950 square miles. Reporting directly to the Chief Judge, the Administrator is responsible for the comprehensive planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of the Court’s administrative operations.
This executive leader provides strategic oversight of all non-judicial divisions and departments, ensuring the efficient, effective, and accountable delivery of court services across the County. The Administrator partners closely with the judiciary to support the Court in fulfilling its constitutional and statutory responsibilities to the residents of Cook County.
The Circuit Court is comprised of more than 400 judges and approximately 3,000 employees. In addition to overseeing court operations across multiple districts and specialized divisions, the Court maintains administrative responsibility for the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, Adult Probation Department, Social Service Department, Juvenile Probation Department, Court Reporters, Court Interpreters and Clinical Forensic Services, further underscoring the scope and complexity of this leadership role.
The Court also maintains administrative oversight of 16 court facilities that house court operations, reflecting the significant operational, logistical, and fiscal responsibilities inherent in the administration of one of the largest unified court systems in the nation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Trial Court Administrator is responsible for the following areas:
Judicial Administration & Leadership
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Partners closely with the Chief Judge to implement the Court’s strategic vision, operational goals, and policy priorities.
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Provides executive leadership and administrative guidance to all non-judicial court divisions and departments.
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Coordinates with Presiding Judges, Circuit Judges, and Judicial Committees to ensure consistent implementation of court policies and procedures.
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Facilitates policy discussions related to court operations, personnel, facilities, security, and long-range planning.
Strategic Planning & Performance Management
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Leads strategic planning initiatives and ensures alignment of programs and operations with Court objectives.
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Oversees development, monitoring, and reporting of performance measures and operational metrics.
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Identifies issues affecting case flow and court efficiency and recommends or implements corrective measures.
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Conducts research and analysis of court operations, staffing models, facilities, and information systems.
Budget & Fiscal Administration
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Oversees preparation, administration, and justification of the Court’s operating and capital budgets.
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Monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
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Evaluates new program requests and funding needs and coordinates grant development and administration.
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Implements cost-effective practices and resource allocation strategies.
Human Resources & Personnel Management
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Provides executive oversight of recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and professional development of non-judicial staff.
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Directly supervises senior administrative and departmental leadership staff.
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Ensures compliance with all personnel related federal, state and local regulations.
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Promotes a professional, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture.
Intergovernmental & External Relations
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Serves as the Court’s primary liaison with county, state, and federal agencies, justice partners, and community organizations.
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Coordinates with the Sheriff’s Office and other entities regarding court security and facility operations.
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Maintains effective working relationships with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and other judicial stakeholders.
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Addresses inquiries, complaints, and issues raised by court users, attorneys, and the public.
Policy, Compliance & Innovation
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Monitors legislative developments, Supreme Court Rules, administrative orders, and emerging trends in court administration.
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Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and operational improvements.
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Ensures confidentiality, ethical conduct, and adherence to judicial standards.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Trial Court Administrator exercises overall administrative authority for multiple court divisions and departments through subordinate supervisors and managers. Responsibilities include workforce planning, performance management, employee development, conflict resolution, and organizational effectiveness.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Comprehensive knowledge of judicial systems, court administration principles, and applicable statutes and rules.
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Demonstrated ability to implement policies and administrative directives.
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Proven executive leadership, strategic thinking, and change management skills.
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Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
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Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
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High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
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Ability to manage complex organizations, competing priorities, and large-scale initiatives.
Education, Experience and Residency Requirements
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Graduation from an accredited college or university, with a BA or BS degree, and ten (10) years of highly responsible court managerial experience, seven (7) years of which must have been at the executive level, directing financial, budgetary, employee and labor relations, information technology and public relations, in a large, complex organization.
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Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation required.
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Establish residency in Cook County within six (6) months of hiring
Preferred Qualifications
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Master’s degree in Court Administration, Public Administration or Justice Management or related fields, Juris Doctor, or equivalent advanced degree.
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Certification through the Institute for Court Management as a Certified Court Executive (CCE) or Fellowship.
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Experience within a large, urban court system or governmental organization.
Work Environment & Benefits
This position operates primarily in a professional office environment within a large, complex court system. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Medical Benefits
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Medical — BCBSIL: Blue Advantage HMO and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
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Prescription Drug Benefit — prescription drug coverage through CVS / Caremark
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Dental Plans — choice of First Commonwealth / Guardian Dental HMO or PPO plans
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Vision Plan — through Davis Vision
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+13 additional voluntary benefit plans
Paid Time Off
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14 legal court holiday dates
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Twenty-five (25) days of vacation per year (for Executive-level positions)
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Paid sick leave
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1 Floating Holiday
Pension
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Pension plan through the Cook County Pension Fund
Additional
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Group Term Life and Group Term Supplemental Life Insurance
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Flexible Spending Accounts — for Health Care and Dependent Day Care
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Commuter benefits
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Discounted parking
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
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