Director

Overview

The Judicial Council of California is accepting applications for the position of Director of the Leadership Support Services office (LSS). The Leadership Support Services office administers specialized and comprehensive project and program management services directly to the Judicial Council, its staff and stakeholders, and the trial and appellate courts.

Under the direction of the Chief Deputy Director, the LSS Director position is responsible for developing and executing the strategy and operations of multiple units: Judicial Council and Trial Court Leadership, Appellate Court Services, Project Management Office, Appellate Court Appointed Counsel Program, Temporary Assigned Judges Program, Language Access Implementation, Court Interpreters Program, and Conference and Print Production. The LSS Director manages the work and activities in support of the Judicial Council, Executive and Planning Committee, the Administrative Presiding Judges Advisory Committee, the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee, the Court Executives Advisory Committee, the Court Interpreters Advisory Committee, the Appellate Indigent Defense Oversight Committee, and other workgroups, task forces, and advisory bodies. Additionally, the Director provides leadership and direction over complex projects with branch-wide impact through the allocation of resources and staff providing project management services.

The position is responsible for evaluating and making decisions related to programs, projects, budget, processes, policies, and operational improvements. The Director implements best practices to ensure that personnel, programs, projects, budgets, and resources are effectively managed in alignment with Judicial Council policies. The Director drives the delivery of high-quality services and translates organizational strategy into operational programs by setting clear goals and objectives for the office—ensuring superior service and enhanced access to justice. The Director manages confidential processes related to judicial branch governance and Judicial Council and advisory body governance and must demonstrate discretion and appropriate judgment. 

The Judicial Council 

The Judicial Council of California is the policymaking body for the California state court system and has constitutionally conferred statewide rule-making authority. This authority includes developing, advocating for, and allocating the judicial branch budget. A majority of Council members are California state justices and judges; however, the Council also includes lawyers, legislators, and court administrators.

By enhancing its role as a leadership, knowledge, and service resource for the judicial branch, the Judicial Council’s staff organization seeks to continue to evolve as one of California’s most dynamic public service entities, focused on improving access to justice for all Californians by innovating and responding to the changing needs of the courts and the public. As a government body charged with improving the statewide administration of justice, the Judicial Council has multiple offices with diverse responsibilities relating to court policy and operations. Every member of Judicial Council staff should view and approach their work as one Judicial Council with a public service mission that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Judicial Council strives for work life balance and includes substantial vacation and holiday time. In addition, we offer an excellent benefits package including pension; medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending; up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs; and retirement savings plans. In San Francisco, the office is only a 7-minute walk from the Civic Center BART station. In Sacramento, the office is located minutes from downtown, just north of Discovery Park, and includes free parking. 

The Judicial Council offers hybrid work arrangements for many positions. The successful candidate will be expected to work in person at the Judicial Council’s San Francisco or Sacramento office at least two days per week and reside in the areas surrounding these locations.

Pay and Benefits

Monthly Salary Range:

$13,820 - $20,729 per month

Please note due to statewide fiscal conditions, the posted salary range is subject to a temporary 3% reduction. In exchange for this reduction, judicial branch employees accrue an additional 5 hours of paid personal leave per month through June 30, 2027.

Some highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Pretax Parking
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

How To Apply

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. This position requires the submission of our official application, a completed supplemental questionnaire, and a resume.

To complete an online application, please click the Apply for Job button.

The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260.

Other Information

Please note, if you are selected for hire, verification of employment authorization to work in the United States will be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, and eight (8) years of professional-level analytical or managerial experience in assigned function including, but not limited to, program analysis, development, implementation, research, and advising, including at least five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience. An additional four years of professional experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree. Or, additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge Of

• Principles of effective leadership and management, including strategic planning, goal setting, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, change management, and problem-solving
• Strategies for managing large, diverse teams—balancing operational oversight with employee engagement and responsiveness to concerns
• Relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances
• Principles and practices of intergovernmental relations and stakeholder engagement
• Managerial and supervisory best practices
• Public and business administration methodologies
• Program management and administration techniques
• Budgeting and procurement processes
• Project management principles and tools

Skill In

• Navigating politically sensitive environments and balancing competing interests while maintaining productive relationships
• Building strategic partnerships 
• Managing personnel, budgets, operations, and multiple internal and external initiatives
• Writing clearly and effectively, from concise communications to formal reports for the Judicial Council
• Understanding the structure and operations of the California court system
• Balancing oversight of multiple and diverse programs
• Developing and executing strategic plans and unit work plans aligned with organizational objectives
• Maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, customers, and the public
• Managing employees through multiple levels of supervision
• Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide services in the most effective and efficient manner

Responsibilities

• Set the overall direction for approximately 80 professional staff in the LSS office, reviewing work products and creating the operational vision for the various programs of the office consistent with Judicial Council direction, vision, mission, and needs. Assess, on a regular basis, how efforts are meeting the objectives of effectively serving the Judicial Council, courts, and the public.
• Review and provide expert opinion on significant policy issues, reports, draft recommendations, presentations, program documents, and other communications to ensure their accuracy, effectiveness, and appropriateness of the tone and content. Ensure communication and relationship management with the courts, justice partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Direct staff through subordinate managers and supervisors regarding unit functions. Allocate resources and staff. Assess the duties of office and assign staff, as needed, to meet the goals of the office. The Director is expected to participate directly in LSS programs and projects, including review, implementation, and administration.
• Identify and report on new and emerging issues that may have an impact on the Judicial Council, the Leadership Support Services functions, and the goals and objectives of the Judicial Council and the courts.
• Apply established management principles to lead and guide the LSS office and its units. Maintain an effective organizational structure that promotes strong performance throughout the office. 
• Develop and administer the office budgets, grants, and contracts. Monitor budgets and adjust expenditures regularly to ensure effective budget management. Review and approve request for proposals and interagency agreements.
• Establish the strategic objectives of the office and communicate them to Judicial Council leadership, LSS managers and supervisors, and staff to ensure the role of the office and how it serves the organization, the judicial branch, and the courts is clear.
• Direct and provide leadership to ensure the office is responsive to and supportive of Judicial Council goals, initiatives, and strategic plan; Administrative Presiding Justices; Presiding Judges; Court Executive Officers; and Judicial Council advisory bodies.
• Develop and implement goals and objectives of the LSS office and ensure strategic management and direction. Set the broad direction for the functions consistent with Judicial Council direction, vision, mission, and needs. Oversee management support of staff to ensure effective, timely, and accurate completion of programs and projects assigned to the LSS office.
• Ensure the provision of core services for the Judicial Council, including the Executive and Planning Committee, Administrative Presiding Justices Advisory Committee, Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee, Court Executives Advisory Committee, Court Interpreters Advisory Committee, Appellate Indigent Defense Oversight Committee, and other advisory bodies as assigned.
• Manage complex programs and projects, ensuring the projects are implemented in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. Oversee, review, and approve project plans and ensure that activities are operating in accordance with established organizational goals and objectives. 
• As a member of the senior management team, provide input and recommendations to the Executive Office for the development and improvement of Judicial Council-wide policies and practices.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Judicial Council of California Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Supplemental Questions

1. Please describe why you are interested in this position and what specific skills, experiences, and perspectives you would bring to this role.
2. Please describe your leadership style and how your style has contributed to the success of an organization.