What are the responsibilities and job description for the Common Pleas Division Chief position at Hamilton County, Ohio?
Common Pleas Division Chief
REPORTS TO: Chief of Court Operations
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full Time
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
CIVIL SERVICE: Unclassified
LOCATION: 1000 Main Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: None
PAY RATE: $3,846.16 bi-weekly
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes
JOB OVERVIEW:
The Common Pleas Division Chief is an important leadership position within the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement of the Common Pleas Division. Reporting directly to the Chief of Court Operations, this role ensures that the division delivers high-quality service, maintains the integrity and accuracy of court records, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and public service.
The Common Pleas Division Chief is a results-driven leader who is passionate about public service and committed to operational excellence showing:
- Strong Leadership & Management Skills – The ability to set clear goals, guide a diverse team, and develop a culture of accountability, fairness, and teamwork.
- Operational Expertise – A deep understanding of court procedures, case processing, and legal compliance to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
- Commitment to Service & Innovation – A proactive mindset focused on improving court processes, embracing technology, and enhancing public accessibility.
- Relationship-Building Ability – Experience collaborating with judges, law enforcement, attorneys, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless court operations and strong partnerships.
- Adaptability & Strategic Thinking – A forward-thinking approach to managing change, implementing new policies, and aligning the division’s work with the broader goals of the Clerk of Courts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
40% Daily Operations
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Common Pleas Division, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
- Regularly review how the division operates and make changes to improve efficiency and customer service.
- Ensure efficient case processing, document management, and financial transactions within the division.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices across the division.
- Establish and enforce policies related to filings, recordkeeping, and public access to court records.
- Manage and oversee budget planning and expense tracking for the division.
- Ensure compliance with state and local laws governing court administration and record retention.
- Assign tasks appropriately while making sure responsibilities are clear and work is completed properly.
- Serve as the main point of contact between the division and other county agencies to ensure strong cooperation.
40% Leadership and Management
- Sets goals and priorities for the division that align with the Clerk of Courts’ mission.
- Track and evaluate the division’s performance to ensure it runs effectively.
- Lead a diverse team, creating a workplace that values teamwork, fairness, and accountability.
- Supervise, guide, and support the Assistant Chief to help them succeed in their role.
- Hire, train, and develop staff to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
- Create and enforce policies and procedures to keep operations consistent and efficient.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, including the use of technology and process improvements.
20% Managing Change
- Lead the implementation of new policies, procedures, and technology.
- Clearly communicate changes and expectations to staff.
- Foster a workplace culture where employees feel informed, engaged, and encouraged to collaborate.
- Ensure the division’s work aligns with the overall goals and standards of the Clerk of Courts Office.
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
- Court operations, case processing, and legal procedures related to Common Pleas Courts.
- Applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Budget planning, financial controls, and expenditure tracking within a court system.
- Best practices in public sector leadership, management, and customer service.
- Records management, data privacy, and legal document handling.
- Change management principles and how to lead teams through transition effectively.
- Process improvement and technology solutions.
Ability to:
- Lead and inspire a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
- Set strategic goals, analyze performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement.
- Foster a positive work culture while maintaining accountability and fairness.
- Communicate effectively with staff, judges, legal professionals, and the public.
- Resolve conflicts professionally and negotiate outcomes that align with legal and organizational standards.
- Interpret and apply legal policies, procedures, and regulations in court administration.
- Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting demands.
- Utilize technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Skills:
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- Experience with data analysis and performance reporting to inform decision-making.
- Familiarity with court automation systems, e-filing platforms, and digital case management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent; 15 years of progressive experience in court operations, public administration, or a related field; 5 years of experience in management or supervision of more than 20 employees; or
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in law, legal studies, public administration, or a closely related discipline; 5 years of progressive experience in court operations, public administration, or a related field; 3 years of experience in management or supervision of more than 20 employees; or
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is a sedentary job and the employee will sit 75% of his/her workday. The employee is expected to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts is committed to providing a work environment where all employees are treated fairly and equally in all terms and conditions of employment, and all decisions concerning Clerk employees or applicants shall be made without regard to race, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability. We have zero tolerance for violations of employee rights, harassment or discrimination based on any of the above criteria.
Salary : $3,846
