Department: Administration

Location: 1000 Main Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Compensation: $101,000 / year

Description

REPORTS TO: Chief Administrator
STATUS: Full-time, 40 hours/week, exempt, unclassified
JOB LOCATION: Hamilton County Courthouse
HOURS: Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Minimal Travel.
PAY GRADE: $101,000/ annual
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes

JOB OVERVIEW:
The Chief of Court Operations provides executive-level leadership and operational oversight for all court-related functions within the Clerk of Courts Office. Reporting to the Chief Administrator, this position directs the Municipal, Common Pleas, and Bailiff Divisions, ensuring that case processing, workflow coordination, and customer service standards are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable statutes, rules, and internal policies.

This role requires a strategic and highly organized operational leader who can manage complex, high-volume workflows while encouraging a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement. The Chief of Court Operations works closely with judges, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and Clerk of Courts leadership to strengthen coordination across divisions, streamline processes, and support timely and accessible court operations.

The position is responsible for high-level planning as well as hands-on operational oversight, ensuring that staffing, procedures, resources, and recordkeeping practices support consistent service delivery, regulatory compliance, and effective case management across all court divisions. Key competencies for this role would include:

Strategic Operational Leadership – Directs the daily and long-term operational performance of court divisions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, legal requirements, and service expectations.
Process & Workflow Optimization – Evaluates and improves operational procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer service across all court functions.
Regulatory & Policy Compliance – Ensures adherence to local and state requirements; maintains audit readiness through consistent application of policies, procedures, and quality controls.
Resource & Staff Management – Provides leadership to division managers and staff through coaching, team development, and performance management to maintain strong operational outcomes.
Cross-Agency Collaboration – Coordinates with judges, legal professionals, law enforcement, and the public to support seamless court processes and resolve operational challenges.
Service Excellence & Integrity – Upholds the Clerk’s values of respect, fairness, kindness, and public trust, promoting a culture centered on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties

35% LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Provides direction, oversight, and accountability for managers and supervisors across the Municipal, Common Pleas, and Bailiff Divisions.
Establishes operational priorities, performance objectives, and workflow standards to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
Monitors division productivity, staffing levels, and workload distribution; adjusts assignments and resources to maintain service levels.
Develops, updates, and enforces policies, procedures, and operational protocols that govern all court processing activities.
Leads cross-functional initiatives to strengthen collaboration between court divisions and administrative units.

25% OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT

Ensures all court operations adhere to statutory timelines, procedural rules, retention requirements, and Clerk policies.
Oversees case management practices, records maintenance, docket accuracy, and document processing across all divisions.
Reviews daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports to verify performance standards and compliance benchmarks.
Maintains audit readiness by implementing internal controls, conducting routine quality assurance reviews, and addressing discrepancies.
Coordinates with judicial staff, law enforcement, attorneys, and external agencies (Prosecutor, Public Defender, etc.) to resolve issues impacting case flow or operational integrity.

20% PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

Reviews operational workflows, identifying bottlenecks, service gaps, and inconsistencies; implements standardized processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Leads automation and technology enhancement initiatives, including system upgrades, digital workflow improvements, and data integrity efforts.
Conducts data analysis to monitor error rates, turnaround times, staff output, case backlogs, and other operational metrics; recommends corrective action as needed.
Coordinates with IT and system vendors to troubleshoot operational issues affecting case processing, document management, and customer service.
Ensures that operational changes are documented, communicated, and trained across all impacted divisions.

10% STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

Develops and oversees training and continuing education programs for staff and supervisors across court divisions.
Implements regular coaching and corrective action processes to support consistent expectations and professional growth.
Ensures all staff remain trained on updated procedures, legal requirements, system changes, and customer service standards.
Supports leadership development for supervisors and managers through mentoring, delegation, and structured skill-building activities.
Promotes a workplace culture centered on accountability, teamwork, and respectful service to the public.

10% ADMINISTRATIVE

Prepares reports, operational summaries, and data dashboards for executive leadership.
Assists with annual budgeting, forecasting staffing needs, and resource planning for court divisions.
Participates in leadership meetings, workgroups, and planning sessions to support organizational initiatives.
Leads special projects assigned by the Chief Administrator or Clerk of Courts.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Knowledge of:

Court operations, case management practices, and judicial workflows.
Applicable local and state regulations governing court procedures and records.
Principles of organizational management, workflow design, and operational planning.
Records retention requirements, audit standards, and compliance practices.
Customer service standards and public-sector service expectations.

Ability to:

Lead, motivate, and develop teams across multiple divisions and operational functions.
Analyze complex workflows and implement process improvements that enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Interpret and apply statutes, rules, policies, and operational procedures consistently.
Communicate effectively with staff, leadership, judicial partners, and external agencies.
Manage competing priorities, solve operational problems, and make informed decisions in fast-paced environments.
Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

Skilled in:

Supervising, coaching, and evaluating staff performance.
Using case management systems, document imaging systems, and related court technology.
Creating reports, analyzing data, and identifying operational trends or discrepancies.
Implementing standardized procedures and quality-control practices.
Facilitating collaboration across divisions to support consistent and timely court operations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (J.D., M.B.A., M.P.A., or other relevant graduate degree).
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in court operations, judicial administration, or a closely related field, demonstrating competency in:
- Supervising staff, directing daily workflows, and managing division-level operations.
- Applying strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills in complex, high-volume environments.
- Understanding court processes, case management practices, legal requirements, and operational policies.
- Using case management systems, electronic records platforms, and standard office applications.
- Communicating effectively with staff, judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and the public.
An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Hamilton County Clerk of Courts jobs

Chief of Court Operations