Salary : $232,269.57 - $293,966.24 Annually
Location : Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/2700OCT
Department: Executive
Division: Executive Management
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Definition/Description Working in partnership with and reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) oversees, directs, and participates in non-judicial operations, including short- and long-term planning as well as developing and administering Courtwide policies, procedures, and services. The AEO interprets data to implement Courtwide strategies, provides leadership to management staff, fosters cooperative working relationships among judicial officers, court employees, outside agencies, and the public, and ensures the delivery of high-quality services that support the Court's mission and the administration of justice.
Typical Tasks/Representative DutiesKey Leadership ResponsibilitiesCourtwide Operations & Administrative Leadership- Applies principles and practices of administration and operations in support of all case types, personnel recruitment, retention and management, labor relations, technology systems, trial court financial practices, facilities management, court security, and court-community relations.
- Administers principles and practices of calendar management, jury management and other court management practices.
- Directs, oversees, and evaluates major non-judicial court operations, programs, and administrative functions, including developing, reviewing, and processing information for a variety of operational and federal/state mandated reports and records.
- Leads multi-disciplinary teams and managers responsible for delivering reliable, efficient services across all courthouse locations and case types.
- Ensures operational excellence through continuous improvement, metrics, and performance accountability.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Development- Partners with the CEO to interpret data to develop and execute long-range strategies aligned with judicial priorities, statewide initiatives, and emerging operational needs.
- Drives organizational change, modernization, and process innovation across the Court while developing and motivating court operations personnel.
Judicial & Cross-Agency Collaboration- Serves as a senior liaison with judicial officers, justice-system partners, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Supports judges and commissioners by coordinating committees and working groups.
- Builds strong, collaborative relationships that strengthen Court operations and trust with employee representatives and the community.
Fiscal & Resource Stewardship- Assists the CEO with budget development, resource allocation, and fiscal practices that ensure responsible and transparent management of public funds.
- Assists the CEO with implementation of budget strategies that support operational sustainability and long-term facility planning.
Risk, Policy, & Compliance Leadership- Evaluates legislative, regulatory, and judicial branch changes; assists General Counsel in implementation of policy responses.
- Ensures non-judicial operations comply with all applicable laws, rules of court, and statewide administrative requirements.
Employment Standards/Typical QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in court administration, public or business administration, criminal justice, or a related field. (Master's degree preferred.)
Certified Court Manager and/or Certified Court Executive highly preferred.
Experience- 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a court or justice-system environment, including executive-level roles.
- 2-3 years of experience within organizations with staff represented by bargaining units.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, manage senior managers, and execute strategic initiatives.
- Extensive knowledge of Superior Court functions, California judicial branch governance, and court-county relationships.
Supplemental InformationExecutive Competencies- Strategic and systems-level thinking
- Executive communication and collaboration
- Change management and innovation leadership
- Workforce culture and team development
- High-level judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making
- Relationship management and stakeholder diplomacy
- Program and project management
- Fiscal strategy, planning, and compliance
Working ConditionsWork is performed in a professional office and courthouse environment, requiring frequent engagement with judicial officers, staff, justice-system partners, and the public. The role requires managing competing priorities, handling sensitive issues, and operating within fast-paced, high-pressure settings typical of a large urban court system.
Physical DemandsStrength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis;
Ability to listen to verbal requests from the public and court staff, then respond appropriately;
Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs, such as files, stacks of paper, reference books, and other materials;
Frequent need to reach for items above and below desk level, sometimes with the assistance of a ladder or step-stool;
Standing and sitting for long periods of time is periodically required.
Application RequirementsThis recruitment requires the submission of an on-line application. No paper applications will be accepted. An electronic copy of your resume and responses to the supplemental questions must completed.
BenefitsThe Court offered benefits package includes a choice of health, dental and vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) as permitted by law, life insurance, paid holidays, and personal leave.
The Court offers a benefits package that includes life insurance, a choice of health and dental plans, a vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), paid holidays, annual leave accruals.
01
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form, to demonstrate my qualifications for this job.
02
Authorization and Release. I have applied for employment with the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara ("Court") and have provided information about my current and/or previous employment. I authorize the Court to investigate all statements made in my application for employment and to obtain any and all information concerning my former/current employment. This includes my job performance appraisals/evaluations, wage history, disciplinary action(s) if any, and all other matters pertaining to my employment history.I authorize my former and current employers and references to release contents of my employment record with their organizations and to provide any additional information that may be necessary for my application for employment with the Court, whether the information is positive or negative. I hereby release all such agencies and/or individuals who furnish such information, and the Court, from liability for damages, which may result from furnishing or receiving the information requested.
03
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must complete required supplemental questionnaires as part of the application screening and selection process. The information I provide will be reviewed and used to determine my eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.
04
Describe examples where you have implemented changes that improved case calendar management.
05
How would you approach the challenge of implementing significant reductions in staffing resources?
Required Question
