Apr 25, 2026

Court Administrator V - Dakota County District Court

Job Description

The First Judicial District is accepting applications for an innovative and experienced professional to lead the Dakota County Court Administration team.

Dakota County is located in the southeast metro and has a caseload of approximately 60,000 filings annually. This Court Administrator position is the administrative leader of the District Court in Dakota County and is responsible for the overall management and operations. Dakota County has 3 court facilities located in Hastings, Apple Valley and West St. Paul. The current staff includes 1 Deputy Court Administrator, 4 Court Operations Managers, 9 Supervisors, 1 Administrative Hearing Officer, and 75 staff, 19 chambered judges and 38 judicial staff members.

This Court Administrator position has a significant management partnership with the district judges, court staff, Minnesota Judicial Branch offices, justice partners, and county offices. This position is responsible for caseflow management, financial budgeting, records, jury, technology, human resources and facilities management related to Dakota County District Courts.

The primary work location is in the Dakota County Judicial Center, 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. Standard hours of work are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and optional benefits and paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.

What You Will Do

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

  • Direct/advise subordinate supervisors or personally engage in implementing Court human resources processes to recruit, hire, train, coach, evaluate, compensate, recognize and discipline non-judicial court personnel in compliance with Minnesota Judicial Branch personnel policies and applicable union contracts.
  • Oversee all aspects of case flow management from initiation through post-disposition of Criminal, Civil, Traffic, Family, Probate, Mental Health, Juvenile and Conciliation cases to ensure that cases move through the system effectively. Ensure that all documents filed with the court are processed timely and accurately. Coordinate between court departments and justice partners to ensure that cases are scheduled efficiently.
  • Collaborate with judicial officers to coordinate and manage judicial scheduling, ensuring the efficient use of judicial resources, adherence to statutory hearing timelines, and effective case management. Interprets and applies court rules, administrative orders, policies, and procedures to provide accurate guidance and support to judicial officers. Serves as the primary point of contact for judges regarding personnel, courtroom security, and facility-related matters.
  • Oversee the financial aspects of court operations including collecting, receiving and accounting for funds, fees, fines, bonds, and escrow funds and tracking expenditures. Prepare financial reports detailing court financial management. Comply with all fiscal, risk management and audit policies and procedures.
  • Oversee the planning and use of courtroom and office space in one or more assigned facilities. Collaborate with County partners to ensure appropriate maintenance and security. Supervise the maintenance, repair, and security of court facilities, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and conducive to efficient court operations.
  • Work with local Court and District leadership to develop and implement new Court operational policies, and procedures in response to changes in the law, Court rules, or regulations. Evaluate current local Court and District policies and procedures for effectiveness and draft recommendations for improvements when appropriate.
  • Represent the Court in various committees, task forces, and work groups at the District and County and state-wide level. Act as the public face of the Court to the news media, citizen organizations and other entities interested in the Court. Participate as a member of senior management team or other leadership group(s); contribute to strategic and operational planning in alignment with district and Branch-wide initiatives.


What You Must Have

The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, apply today!

  • Eight (8) years of relevant work experience in a court or other legal environment such as processing various case types, filing and recordkeeping, completing court administrative duties.
  • Three (3) years of supervisory experience some of which includes managing managers or supervisors. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, court administration or related field.


What You Will Bring

  • Knowledge of judicial branch human resources policies and procedures, union contracts, and effective supervisory and management techniques.
  • Knowledge of the judicial branch organizational structure, operations, and the scope of authority of the district court.
  • Knowledge of procedures and policies, legal documents, laws, and rules pertaining to the operation of the district court and the administration of justice.
  • Knowledge of court financial management and audit policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures guiding records management and retention.
  • Knowledge of various technology and information systems used in the court.
  • Skill to effectively communicate thoughts, ideas, and messages to diverse individuals in oral and written form.
  • Skill in managing employee performance and in providing constructive positive and corrective feedback.
  • Skill in project management.
  • Ability to manage multiple large and complex projects or work streams simultaneously and ensure that work is completed in a timely manner.
  • Ability to ensure effective employe performance management through subordinate managers and supervisors.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with judicial officers, justice partners, colleagues, staff and the public.
  • Ability to manage conflict. Ability to solve complex problems and make decisions efficiently and effectively.


To Apply

Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply Now button. Cover letter and resume are required and can be uploaded/attached to your online application by Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:55 PM. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The anticipated start date for this position is July 8, 2026.

The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $50.48 - $64.35 per hour ($105,402-$134,363 annually) based on qualifications. The full salary range for this position is $50.48 - $78.21 per hour ($105,402-$163,302 annually). This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits.

Please contact Human Resources at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.


Why Work for Us?
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth.

Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers . Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us . The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Internal Applicants
If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities .

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