Description

• Location
  Chicago or Springfield, IL
• Office
  Access to Justice Division
• Posted Date
  06/15/26
• Closing Date
  Applications received by Monday, July 6, 2026, will receive first consideration.
• Division
  Access to Justice Division
• Benefits
  An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, deferred compensation options, as well as vacation, sick and personal leave. Please refer to the following Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.
• Salary
  Minimum salary $114,482; salary at hire to be commensurate with experience

• Reporting relationship: Deputy Director, Strategic Planning

PURPOSE

We share a vision of a community free from bias, systemic unfairness, and oppression, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The Access to Justice (“ATJ”) Division works to improve access to the justice system for all court users, particularly those who are low-income and vulnerable, through statewide initiatives that improve court operations, services, and accessibility.

The ATJ Division supports the Illinois Judicial Conference (“IJC”), which the Illinois Supreme Court, through Supreme Court Rule 41, designated as the body responsible for strategic planning for the Illinois Judicial Branch. The IJC brings together judicial officers, court personnel, and justice partners to identify long-term priorities and improve the delivery of justice statewide.

This position is responsible for leading the implementation and execution of IJC strategic initiatives and approved deliverables. Persons in this position perform a variety of professional, administrative, and project management duties related to coordinating implementation efforts, tracking progress on strategic initiatives, supporting stakeholder engagement, and facilitating statewide collaboration necessary to advance IJC priorities. Work is performed under the direction of the Deputy Director, Strategic Planning and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

It is anticipated the position will focus on the following areas:

• Independently leading implementation of completed Illinois Judicial Conference (“IJC”) strategic initiatives, operational priorities, and approved deliverables
• Tracking the progress of IJC initiatives and deliverables to ensure projects remain on schedule, barriers are identified, and deadlines are met
• Serving as a member of the ATJ Division leadership team
• Monitoring and supporting the work of Illinois Supreme Court Boards, Committees, Commissions, task forces, and other stakeholder groups assigned responsibility for IJC initiatives
• Managing complex projects, including setting timelines, tracking progress, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders for IJC initiatives and deliverables
• Coordinating with judicial officers, court personnel, justice partners, and Administrative Office staff to lead implementation of IJC recommendations and strategic priorities
• Leading the identification and analysis of approved recommendations into actionable implementation plans, workstreams, and measurable outcomes
• Preparing written updates, implementation summaries, briefing materials, presentations, and reports regarding the status of IJC initiatives and deliverables
• Identifying implementation challenges, operational barriers, resource needs, and areas requiring additional coordination or support, and assisting in developing recommendations to address them
• Planning, coordinating, and administering IJC meetings, planning sessions, and implementation-related meetings in partnership with the Director and Deputy Director of Strategic Planning
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and collaborative partners involved in implementation efforts related to IJC initiatives
• Developing, evaluating, and implementing policies, procedures, educational materials, and implementation guidance related to IJC initiatives, including conducting legal and policy research
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing information and data related to implementation efforts and strategic initiative outcomes
• Serving as a reliable and knowledgeable resource to internal and external stakeholders in advancing the implementation of IJC priorities statewide
• Presenting information regarding IJC initiatives, implementation efforts, and project updates at meetings, trainings, conferences, and judicial education programs
• Independently leading initiatives aligned with the work of the Access to Justice Division and related projects and initiatives
• Supervising and supporting the work of assigned staff, providing guidance, feedback, and performance management as needed
• Performing other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school, approved by the American Bar Association, and seven years of supervisory and employment experience in the legal or project management field is required. Experience working with Illinois courts or in other relevant positions is preferred

SELECTION FACTORS

• A desire to improve access to justice and reduce barriers to the court system
• Knowledge of the structure, functions, and operations of the Illinois Judicial Branch
• Experience managing complex projects and coordinating multiple workstreams, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience with project implementation, program development, operational planning, and strategic initiative execution
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to track and manage multiple ongoing initiatives and deliverables
• Ability to develop and maintain project management tools, implementation trackers, timelines, and status reports
• Ability to identify implementation barriers and facilitate problem-solving among diverse stakeholders
• Ability to coordinate effectively with judges, court staff, circuit clerks, justice partners, governmental agencies, and community organizations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and implementation updates
• Ability to facilitate meetings, manage follow-up activities, and ensure accountability for assigned deliverables
• Experience collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting information and data related to operational or strategic initiatives
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of short-term and long-range project management
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within established practices and procedural guidelines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Adobe, and project-tracking tools
• Familiarity with, and interest in promoting, the core values of fairness, accountability, integrity, and respect

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois or be willing to relocate to the State of Illinois. This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment requiring telephone usage, ability to process written documents, and ability to operate a computer. Applicant must have the ability to travel throughout the state including overnight stays as required. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to work remotely as appropriate and requiring two in-office days per week.

Interested persons should submit - via email - a letter of interest, resume, and completed Judicial Branch Employment Application to: courtemployment@IllinoisCourts.gov

Applications received by Monday, July 6, 2026, will receive first consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER