National Center for State Courts

Compensation

Full Description

Who We Are The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) is a community of dedicated researchers, consultants, educators, and former practitioners who drive innovation and advancement in courts and justice systems. NCSC’s reputation for trusted leadership allows us to work alongside top judicial officers to examine some of the most complex and significant issues facing society. Our team of experts and court leaders are deeply committed to advancing just, free, and safe communities. To learn more about NCSC, visit NCSC.org NCSC is reorganizing to better serve the court community. As part of this process, we are seeking talented individuals to serve as directors for five distinct teams inside our Programs group. One of these teams is the Technology, Data, and Knowledge Management team. The Director of Technology, Data, and Knowledge Management provides strategic, operational, and thought leadership for a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, consultants, and support staff and a portfolio of technology-, data-, and knowledge-focused initiatives—including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies (AI), vendor relations and procurement, court data analytics and data literacy, National Open Court Data Standards (NODS) and national data reporting and forecasting, cybersecurity, court case management system assessments and evaluations, systems re-engineering and sharing national data trends—supporting state and local courts nationwide. This position is responsible for ensuring high-quality project delivery, strong client relationships, supporting data-driven decision making and sharing actionable insights and trends that strengthen court operations, transparency, public trust, and align with NCSC-wide mission and strategy. In addition to leading their team, the position will also serve as a consultant on various high-profile projects and routinely interact with all levels of NCSC staff, as well as Chief Justices, State Court Administrators, trial and appellate court judges, trial and appellate court administrators, and staff from various state and local courts. The position will also have frequent interaction with existing and potential funders at government agencies and foundations. Trusted Leadership. Proven Solutions. Fair and Impartial Courts. Technology, Data, and Knowledge Leadership and Strategy • Set strategic direction for court-focused technology, data, analytics, and knowledge management initiatives across state, local, and national projects. • Provide subject-matter leadership on court technology ecosystems, innovation, data governance, analytics, and responsible use of emerging tools and technologies, including AI. • Guide development and dissemination of national data trends, benchmarks, and insights relevant to court leaders and policy makers. • Ensure initiatives align with NCSC strategy, funder requirements, and best practices in judicial technology, data, analytics, information sharing, and court innovation. • Provide leadership to their team by setting goals and objectives, monitoring progress, and holding team accountable and with constructive feedback. • Advise senior leadership, judicial leaders, and court executives on emerging issues, trends, and policy implications affecting courts. • Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and national initiatives. Demonstrate conduct that upholds the basic Core Values of NCSC. Program and Project Oversight • Oversee a portfolio of consulting, research, and technical assistance projects supporting courts, including court vendor relations and technology procurement support; court case management system assessments and evaluations, court data architecture, NODS implementation, analytics, forecasting, and performance measurement; data literacy and capacity building for judges, court staff, and court administrators; AI and emerging technologies in courts, and cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management. • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and to a high standard of quality, rigor, clarity and practical relevance. • Guide business process documentation and re-engineering, applied research, data analysis, and assessment efforts related to court technology, data, governance and administration. • Ability to think strategically and creatively, while able to adjust to changing circumstances and priorities. Revenue Development • Identify, pursue, and support diversified revenue opportunities to sustain and grow team initiatives, including grants, contracts, sponsorships, and foundation partnerships. • Collaborate with senior leadership, advancement staff, and other program teams to shape fundable ideas, develop proposals, and align project scopes with funder priorities, court needs, and NCSC mission and strategy. • Contribute subject-matter expertise to grant and RFP proposals, budgets, and workplans. • Build and maintain relationships with funders, foundations, court partners, and national stakeholders to support long-term sustainability. • Identify opportunities to scale successful pilots or innovations into funded work. People Management and Team Development • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of consultants, researchers, and support staff responsibly and empathetically. • Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations. • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture. • Support professional development, workload balance, and succession planning. Client and Stakeholder Engagement • Serve as a senior point of contact for state and local court leaders, judicial officers, court administrators, funders, and partner organizations. • Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders. • Represent NCSC in meetings, convenings, and national forums related to technology and data initiatives. • Translate complex operational and governance concepts into clear, actionable guidance for court and non-court audiences. • Collaborate with other program groups, communications, advancement, and finance + administration to support project success. • Advanced degree in public administration, public policy, law, court administration or a related field or equivalent professional experience. • Significant experience (typically 8-12 years+) working with or within courts or judicial branch organizations. • Demonstrated leadership and management experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. • Strong knowledge of court operations, court technology, and public sector or judicial administration. • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including experience producing high-quality reports and presentations. • Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, including the ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue. • Previous consulting and/or research experience and/or leadership with state or local courts, preferred. Additional Skills & Abilities: • Ability to travel to client locations, meetings and/or conferences throughout the United States. • Operational discipline, including recruiting and training new and/or promoted staff, assigning work, assisting with staff development, preparing proposals for new work, engaging in contract negotiation, and contract compliance, reviewing and approving staff timesheets and expense reports in accordance with NCSC and funder requirements. • Ability to advise internal teams and NCSC leadership on information technology and data best practices, standards, and policies, ensuring alignment with organizational needs, security requirements, and industry norms. • Demonstrate use of sound judgment in practical matters and critical decisions, choosing wisely after contemplating various options. • Working knowledge of advanced research methods, data analysis skills, and quantitative and qualitative methodologies. • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Benefits NCSC is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package for our regular full-time and regular part-time employees, consisting of: Insurance • Medical Insurance: PPO, HDHP options (HMO option for VA residents) • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Employer Paid Life Insurance for Employee + Family • Employer Paid Accidental Death Insurance • Employer Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability • 125 Plan • Employee Assistance Program Retirement • Retirement: Money Purchase Plan Pension account (9% of salary) • Retirement Option: 403B Paid Time Off • All Purpose Leave (APL) • Paid Holidays (10) Other Benefits • Education Assistance • Paid Training and Development • Qualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness under 501(c)(3) The annual starting salary for this role is between $145,000 - $190,000. Factors that affect starting pay within the range include education, experience, and other qualifications as it relates to the position. Join our Team! This position closes on February 13, 2026. Please submit your resume and cover letter in addition to your completed NCSC application. For reference, include professional references only with at least one previous or current supervisor. NCSC is an equal opportunity/disability/veteran employer.