Court Administrator

This position will remain open until September 26, 2025

SUMMARY: 

The Court Administrator is responsible for managing the administrative and non-judicial operations of the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Community Tribal Court. This position oversees budget, personnel, facilities, records, and technology, among other aspects of court administration to ensure that the justice system runs smoothly.

The Court Administrator will work collaboratively to ensure that the court operates in accordance with tribal, federal and other applicable laws and remains free from undue influence. Additionally, the Court Administrator must adhere to ethical and confidentiality standards, and take an oath to uphold the integrity of the court.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

• Advance the strategic goals and objectives through departmental initiatives in alignment with PIIC’s Vision, Mission, and Values

• Oversee and facilitate the daily operations of Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Court, including court proceedings, case scheduling, and record keeping


• Manage the court’s budget, including allocating funds for resources, staff salaries, and operational expenses


• Coordinate with judges, attorneys, and other court staff to ensure effective court proceedings


• Ensure compliance with legal procedures, court rules, and regulations


• Supervise court personnel, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations


• Develop and implement court policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency


• Maintain secure and accurate records of court proceedings and managing or overseeing management of the court’s record keeping systems, including the court decision database


• Provide information to the public about court procedures and case information


• Ensure forms and documents are up to date and legible. They must be available for use by those who request or need them.


• Prepare reports on court activities for judicial, legislative, or other governmental authorities

• Review files and prepare file summaries for judge’s review


• Review pleadings to ensure they are in compliance with ordinances


• Research ordinances for proper procedure for cases


• Knowledge of ordinances and laws regarding all types of cases


• Arrange for court reporter for hearings


• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, public or business administration, or related field.


• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of Clerk of Court/Court Administrative experience and working with Native American/Tribal Court systems


• Advanced knowledge of legal terms


• Must have experience working with courtroom software


• Friendly and courteous under pressure


• Excellent organizational skills


• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to include report writing, staff/community communications, and forms.


• Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)


• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision


• Successful experience working in a team setting that demonstrates ability to work positively within existing court team and overall organization


• Sensitive to Native American Culture


• Must pass Suitability Determination to include drug screen


• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Paralegal experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:*

• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds


• Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Effectively Handling Harassment training


• Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.