Tribal Courts Director

Kotzebue IRA; Alaska; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Native hiring preference

Job summary

Native Village of Kotzebue seeks a Tribal Courts Director to lead the Court operations and programs under the Executive Director. You will oversee professional and support staff, manage budgets and procurement, and coordinate with tribal leaders, judges, and partners to deliver just and efficient court services.

Responsibilities include policy development, staff development, and ensuring compliance with tribal law and due process.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and an Associate degree (or equivalent) in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Court Administration or related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience in court administration.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Background investigation and drug test successful completion required.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates Tribal Court operations and staff to achieve stated goals.
• Develops strategic plans and budgets for court operations and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Manages payroll and procurement authority for the department.
• Builds relationships with tribal members, vendors, and external partners.
• Ensures confidentiality and due process in court matters.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Staff supervision

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in Public Administration / Criminal Justice / Court Administration

Combination of education and experience considered

Tools

Office software

Records management systems

Job description

Under the general guidance of the Executive Director, accomplishes the Tribe’s strategic
objectives by planning, organizing, overseeing, and directing all activities required to operate
and maintain all Court operations and programs. Administers daily operations and ensures
all Court activities are conducted in a respectful, effective, and efficient manner. Contributes
to the development of the Tribe’s strategic goals and ensures implementation and execution
of the Village’s vision.
Upholds the organization’s mission, and values as well as demonstrates an understanding of and
compliance with organization’s policies and procedures.
Promotes the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrates integrity, professionalism,
accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

Essential Functions

• Manages and directs professional and support staff in the development and implementation of Tribal Court’s functions to achieve stated goals and objectives.
• Contributes to the Court’s effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues and goals that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending options and courses of actions; implementing directives.
• Develops and implements a strategic plan to maintain capacity to deliver services that result in a positive and appropriate outcome for the Native Village of Kotzebue.
• Directs the establishment, implementation and communication of goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with strategic plan and applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and regulatory agencies.
• Achieves the Court’s financial objectives by exercising control and implementation over the budgetary processes.
• Collaborates with the Grant Writer to secure additional funding and grant monies for continuation and expansion of program services.
• Coordinates with the Elder Representative who serves on the Native Village of Kotzebue’s Council as appropriate.
• Works closely and respectfully with the Tribal Court Judges.
• Coordinates with the Clerk for all Tribal Court hearings and manages the Tribal Court calendar.
• Drafts orders and provides clerical support for the Judge as requested.
• Develops and maintains all Tribal Court forms.
• Documents Court policies and ensures that activities follow Tribal law, court rules, and requirements of due process.
• Assures strict confidentiality for all court cases and records.
• Prepares and presents reports on the status, activities, and plans for current and future operations.
• Builds and fosters effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, community entities, local governments, private sector organizations, and tribal members.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervises the work of the Tribal court professional and support staff.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Tribe’s policies and applicable laws.
• Improves staff effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; integrating functional objectives; and providing and participating in educational opportunities.
• Hosts and participates in regular meetings to ensure effective communication about financial matters.
• Maintains a positive work environment by motivating team members, fostering teamwork, and addressing and resolving conflicts as they arise.
• Oversees and enforces adherence to administrative and personnel policies and procedures.
• Develops techniques and standards for evaluation of departmental activities.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of all departmental functions.
• Assumes and exercises signing authority for payroll and procurement for the department.
• Serves as a contact person for vendors, contractors, and other business partners.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Applicable federal and tribal laws, regulations, requirements, principles, and practices of court administration.
• Policies, functions, and responsibilities of the Native Village of Kotzebue and Alaskan Native culture, traditions, history, and needs.
• The development, preparation, and control of budgets.
• Modern trends related to the practice of records management.
• Court policies and procedures.
• Sources of federal, state, local, and private funding for the Tribes’ programs.
• Inupiaq, Alaska Native, or Native American cultures, language, programs, and/or affairs.

Skill in:

• Providing leadership in the development and delivery of Tribal Court programs and services.
• Budget development and administration, financial planning, and cost control.
• Statistical compilations and analysis.
• Preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational reports.
• Hiring, supervising, training, developing, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Office software and industry-related applications.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Plan, organize, and prepare financial programs and projects.
• Identify, develop, and implement financial programs.
• Establish and maintain adequate service levels and cost controls for department services.
• Prepare comprehensive and concise reports and plans.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Speak persuasively before groups.
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Uphold strong ethics and integrity.
• Remain in compliance with Tribal Drug Free Policy.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Court Administration or related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience in court administration.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation and drug test.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and lift up to 25 pounds. Close vision ability is required. Employee may be exposed rarely to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens; and to hostile or violent individuals.

Work Environment

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

Native Preference will be given in recruiting and hiring, consistent with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, P.L. 93-638, as amended.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Native Village of Kotzebue is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualifiedapplicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran protected statusor any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must be able to:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Submit a completed Employment Application, Resume, and any required supporting documentation.

Position Title: Tribal Courts Director Department: Tribal Courts Supervisor: Executive Director Grade Level: E3 Status: Exempt