Senior Court Operations Analyst

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The Senior Court Operations Analyst performs advanced analytical and report-writing work that supports the improvement of multiple, integrated programs within a court or major administrative unit, as well as the development of new or substantially revised programs affecting the operation of trial or reviewing courts. Employees serve as senior operations analysts or senior program specialists and may work independently or lead projects involving multiple programs.

This position develops and assigns program objectives and provides direction to employees responsible for writing or revising objectives to address the issues and needs of the court or its administrators. The Senior Court Operations Analyst is responsible for making decisions regarding improvements across multiple, integrated program areas; developing major service programs when guidelines are unavailable, unclear, require substantial modification, or need to be created; and managing major programs that involve allocating funds and developing or managing program budgets.

The Senior Court Operations Analyst provides guidance to assist in establishing court management policies, standards, and state-of-the-art programs and procedures. The position maintains frequent contact with judicial and non-judicial personnel to implement and develop programs and works collaboratively with stakeholders to address operational needs. Work performance is reviewed by the manager or director based on the quality of program development, implementation, supervision, and recommendations.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE

• Analyzes and writes reports on any aspect of the administration of justice; obtains information by managing and conducting interviews, conducting library research of a general or legal nature, gathering and analyzing data or conferring with experts in the field; writes a report with recommendations tailored to the needs of the client; assists with implementing recommendations.
• Provides technical assistance to the courts in areas such as jury management, court reporting, court security, case flow management, caseload statistics, court process improvement, performance measures, reorganization, organization and management, budgetary and personnel administration; determines present condition and procedures in the court; evaluates the environment and resources of the system(s) under review; compares the results with standards and guidelines and develops recommendations to improve the operations of the system through the use of standards and innovative techniques and technologies; assists with the implementation of the system.
• Serves as coordinator for issues or a liaison in the assigned area by maintaining effective working relationships with judicial and non-judicial personnel, including stakeholders outside the Judicial Branch, and determining the need for technical assistance or information; collects, analyzes and conveys information to clients; reviews innovations and latest state-of-the-art practices and distributes information to clients.
• Conducts statistical studies of court systems to ascertain strengths and weaknesses of the current system including operational costs and makes recommendations for improvements; writes a report documenting the present practice including a thorough review and/or analysis of statutes, Supreme Court rules, court decisions, regulations, and administrative orders; identifies problems and areas for further study including such items as staffing levels and operating costs; adopts a study methodology and develops survey instruments for use in conducting structured interviews; analyzes cost-benefit data; evaluates data and writes recommendations for discussion with supervisor; develops instruments or systems to track the implementation of the recommendations in order to evaluate the program.
• Analyzes the operations and management of trial or appellate courts to improve the delivery of services; documents existing practices and procedures in multiple program areas such as case flow management, budgeting, personnel administration, court organization, staffing patterns, impact of state funding; prepares final recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Working knowledge of research and organization/management analysis methods.
• Working knowledge of the purpose, service programs, organization, integration of multiple programs, operations and staffing arrangements of courts and administrative support operations, including circuit clerk offices.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting applicable guidelines, manuals, rules, laws, procedures and other operational or administrative documents.
• Skill in creating data gathering instruments, analyzing data received, applying the latest state-of-the-art principles and practices, identifying potential errors, requesting clarification, and preparing written reports with findings, analyses, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to develop and implement project work plans, prepare budgets, staff assignments and evaluation methods.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing and solving problems with multiple, integrated programs involving organization, program definitions, staffing patterns, productivity, budgeting, personnel administration and management practices.
• Ability to exercise initiative and resourcefulness in the development and completion of projects.
• Ability to provide advice and assistance in areas such as jury management, court security, case flow management, caseload statistics, court process improvement, performance measures, reorganization, organization and management, budgetary and personnel administration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time and work in a standard office environment, including regular use of a telephone and the ability to process written documents. The position also requires the ability to travel, including overnight stays, as needed. Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be available with approval from the Administrative Director and will be based on the successful candidate’s location, qualifications, and business needs.