Court Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Vermont Judiciary seeks a collaborative and results-oriented Court Operations Manager to lead daily operations and supervise staff for the Barre Superior Court Unit. This position plays an important role in advancing the Judiciary’s commitment to fair, timely, and accessible justice by ensuring that court processes are efficient, accurate, and consistent with established rules, procedures, statutory requirements, and Judicial Branch goals. Responsibilities include staff supervision, operational planning, budgeting, and coordination across court functions.

Court Operations Managers play a critical leadership role in the administration of justice. Effective management of staff, resources, and court processes helps ensure that cases move forward efficiently, procedures are applied consistently, and members of the public are treated fairly and professionally. By supporting staff, improving workflows, resolving operational challenges, and promoting accountability, Court Operations Managers contribute to effective court operations and public confidence in the justice system.

The ideal candidate will be an adaptable and collaborative leader with integrity, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex workflows in a fast-paced, interconnected environment. Candidates should demonstrate sound judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop practical solutions, mediate conflicts, build consensus, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. A commitment to public service and the Judiciary’s mission should be reflected in the ability to lead staff, manage resources responsibly, and maintain high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and service.

Reporting to the Superior Court Clerk, the Court Operations Manager in Barre supervises Criminal and Family division staff and may oversee personnel assigned to any division within the Superior Court Unit or, as needed, support statewide court operations.

Minimum Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree (8 semesters)
Alternative to Education Qualification: Work experience may be substituted for education on six months for one semester basis.

Experience: Four years of supervisory experience, OR four years of professional leadership experience, including project leadership, committee leadership, training or mentoring responsibilities, or leading process improvements within the organization.
Alternative to Experience Qualification: Six years prior court or related legal experience may be substituted for four years of supervisory/ leadership experience.

Candidates without a college degree or prior managerial experience would need at least 10 years court or legal experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A thorough knowledge of the management of the courts and case-flow techniques.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, jurors, law enforcement officials, representatives of the media, and related public and social service agencies.

Total Compensation

This is an exempt/ salaried Judicial Branch position with an annual salary equivalent of $83,075. As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Generous paid leave including 12 vacation days, 12 sick leave days, 5 personal days, and 14 paid holidays each year 
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Summary of Duties

• The Court Operations Manager (COM) reports directly to the appropriate supervising court clerk. Divisions within the Unit shall be operated within Judicial Branch organizational policies and parameters established by the Court Administrator, including the establishment of strategies and objectives to accomplish the goals identified by the Court Administrator’s Office.
• The position involves extensive interaction with the presiding judge, other members of the Judicial Branch, and representatives from various agencies and public and private groups.  
• Work is performed with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative under the guidance of statutory and administrative policies; the rules and procedures relating to Vermont Court operations; personnel policies for the Vermont Judiciary; and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the Vermont Judiciary and the Vermont State Employees’ Association, Inc.
• Perform routine administrative tasks such as: oversight of daily cash management; review and approval of invoices; review and approval of employee time sheets and expenses.  
• Coordinate the scheduling of court resources on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. This requires the complex coordination of many resources including, but not limited to, court rooms, employee work hours and breaks, outside law enforcement availability, judge time, attorney availability, and court equipment.
• Manage vendor/contractor services including but not limited to office supplies, relief from abuse (RFA) contractors, postage orders, and maintenance contractors.
• Serve on special judicial branch teams and committees to accomplish judiciary-wide projects, as appointed by the Vermont Supreme Court and/or Court Administrator’s Office and approved by the court clerk.
• Identify court operations that can benefit from information technology and recommend to the court clerk implementation of technological improvements.
  Monitor and report on operational efficiencies, including but not limited to routine statistical, case flow, financial, and management information; prepare monthly reports such as the financial packets and budgets.
• Recruit, hire (subject to court clerk approval and CAO approval), train, assess and supervise a work force that includes state judiciary employees and contract and volunteer personnel performing technical, casework, security, and clerical functions.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate court records and the timely preparation and distribution of all court documents.
• Maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, jurors, law enforcement officials, representatives of the media, and related public and social service agencies.

The above functions describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees of this classification.  The listing is not intended to include all of the responsibilities, duties and skills required of this classification.  Actual assigned duties may differ due to the varying needs of the Judiciary.

Work Environment

The Court Operations Manager works in a professional, public‑service‑oriented environment at the Barre Court in Barre, Vermont. The work involves frequent interaction with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, media representatives, and various public agencies, requiring sound judgment, diplomacy, and a commitment to fairness.

Scheduled hours of work generally follow public court hours; however, assignments may occasionally extend beyond those hours based on operational needs. Occasional travel to other courts within the State of Vermont may be required, with travel reimbursed according to State policies.

The Vermont Judiciary is dedicated to ensuring equal access to justice, supporting fair and timely case resolution, and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all court users and employees. We value integrity, accountability, and excellence in public service. The Judiciary is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Code # 26048