Director, Illinois Judicial College | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts
Director, Illinois Judicial College
Vacancy Announcement
- Location
Chicago, IL - Office
Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts - Posted Date
03/16/2026 - Closing Date
04/03/2026 - Division
Judicial College 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
Starting salary range anticipated to be $146,513 to $175,000
POSITION SUMMARY
The AOIC seeks an experienced Judicial Branch educator and proven ethical leader with a dedication and commitment to transformative professional education, to serve as Illinois Judicial College Director. The Judicial College Director is responsible for overseeing the AOIC Judicial College Division and serves as the Liaison to the Illinois Judicial College Board. The position reports to the AOIC Administrative Director and has two (2) direct reports: the Deputy Director of Development and the Deputy Director of Operations. The Deputy Directors manage Division staff directly responsible for Division human resources, fiscal, operational, technology and staff development. In addition, the Director oversees the fiscal, operational, technical and educational management of all Judicial College Board, Standing Committee and Workgroup matters and associated Illinois Judicial College courses and educational events.
This position provides thought leadership, strategic direction and management to the Board and the AOIC Judicial College Division and serves as a member of the AOIC Administrative Director’s leadership team. The Judicial College Director ensures the effective execution of the mission and vision established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judicial College Board, carrying out the responsibilities of the Judicial College with professionalism and a commitment to excellence.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is strongly preferred. Candidates must possess at least ten years of professional experience in judicial branch education, curriculum and course development, or adult education administration, including a minimum of seven years of supervisory or leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior or current experience teaching adults, preferably in a law-related setting at an institution of higher education or within a professional organization serving the legal profession, is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of strategic planning, curriculum and course development, and faculty selection. Familiarity with the Illinois Judicial Branch and the ability to represent the Illinois Judicial College effectively in professional and public settings are also required. Experience working within the judicial branch and administering adult education programs is strongly preferred.
Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and collaborative abilities, including experience guiding teams through organizational change and fostering resilience in evolving environments. The ideal candidate is an excellent written and verbal communicator with sound judgment, ethical decision-making skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information, influence outcomes, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Successful candidates will have strong organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex operations, and experience building cross-functional partnerships aligned with institutional goals.
Qualifications include experience supervising and developing staff, administering adult education programs, and applying best practices in instructional design and learner engagement, including asynchronous, synchronous, blended, and hybrid delivery models, as well as practical knowledge of the fundamentals of curriculum and course design established by the National Association of State Judicial Educators (NASJE). Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge of procurement and administrative procedures, budget development and fiscal oversight, event and program management, and the design of efficient administrative systems and processes. Proficiency with common collaboration, learning, and productivity technologies such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, and similar tools, is expected.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written and electronic documents. Requires a valid Illinois driver's license and ability to travel frequently statewide, including overnight and on weekends. Travel frequency and duration may vary but typically averages about one week per month. A hybrid model of in-person and remote work is permitted as determined by the AOIC Administrative Director.
Interested persons should submit - via email - a letter of interest, resume, and completed Judicial Branch Employment Application to: courtemployment@IllinoisCourts.gov
Applications received by Friday, April 3, 2026, will receive first consideration.
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