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GAL Program Admin
Job Location:
Job Location:
Saint Paul, MN - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 140000 - 160000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
6 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
3 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
- Position Description
About Us
We support trained effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. Together we will build and sustain an effective racially equitable program that advocates for children and their families with compassion high engagement and a community lens.
The Program prepares and supports advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Our Guardians ad Litem are independent from the court and the child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to represent a childs best interests in court proceedings.
Since its inception the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program has committed itself to giving abused and neglected children a strong voice in our court system. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program is a state agency providing services throughout the state of Minnesota.
Position Description
Guardian ad Litem Program Administrator-Supporting advocacy through Leadership
This is a highly responsible senior-level managerial and administrative position providing direction and oversight of administrative activities for the State Guardian ad Litem Program. Work involves oversight of program operations and management of GAL program managers and program staff as determined. This position reports directly to the Guardian ad Litem Board. Work requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and decision-making in accordance with guardian ad litem program standards administrative policies procedures and rules.
This position will provide leadership and support to the Guardian ad Litem Board review of program policies rules and standards budget management and staff management through the supervision of GAL manager positions statewide. This position serves as an administrative representative of the GAL program with external stakeholders including the Judicial Branch Legislature state offices justice partners and community representatives.
Work is performed with significant independence for initiative judgment and action.
The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Board seeks a strategic collaborative and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Program Administrator. Reporting directly to the State Guardian ad Litem Board the Program Administrator serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the statewide Guardian ad Litem Program. This role oversees organizational strategy statewide operations legislative engagement financial management policy implementation and staff leadership across a complex public-sector child advocacy organization.- Primary Responsibilities
- Serves as the administrative representative of the statewide program in meetings and on committees and task forces with the courts program stakeholder groups the public and the media.
- Analyzes program policies guidelines procedures and practices and recommends adjustments in response to changing organizational needs and external benchmarks.
- Oversees the daily operations of the GALP; conducts as needed meetings to coordinate work of the office to identify emerging issues and problems and to develop strategies and action plans.
- Oversees and directs the work of various GAL program staff as determined by the board.
- Assists with the GALP strategic plan development and monitoring to assure it furthers program priorities.
- Creates performance and development plans for assigned GALP managers conducts periodic discussions on progress and prepares written performance for their direct reports.
- Assists with the development and monitoring of the GALP budgets.
- Collaborates with management HR and Program Board regarding grievance process.
- Represents the GALP and the Program Administrator to the GAL Board and external justice partners and other branches of government.
- Cohesive collaboration with the GAL board.
- Qualifications
Demonstrated leadership experience within child welfare family court public-sector judicial branch legal or closely related systems.
Strong understanding of Minnesota child welfare statutes court processes and related systems.
Experience leading complex organizations programs or statewide operations.
Experience working with boards public agencies legislators and external stakeholders.
Strong strategic planning operational leadership and organizational management skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams build trust and navigate complex organizational environments.
Excellent communication relationship-building and public presentation skills.
Experience managing budgets public resources and organizational operations.
Ability to lead with sound judgment decisiveness and clarity in complex situations.
A bachelors degree in public administration social work behavioral sciences law public policy or a related field is required. Advanced degrees such as an MSW JD MPA or related graduate degree are preferred.
- Supplemental Information
- The Location:
Work is performed primarily in an office; some travel may be required. Working long hours is required multi-tasking and dealing with conflict in an often-stressful environment.
The Benefits:- 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
- State of MN insurance benefits and retirement package
- Flexibility
- Public service
Interested
This is a 1.0 FTE full-time exempt position with a salary range of $140000 - $160000 and a very comprehensive benefits package. More details in the full position profile
TO APPLY:Complete the online application at Program Administrator Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Ballinger Leafblad Application deadline is Friday June26th 2026at 4:30 p.m. Please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the on-line application process. Posted for internal and external application submission simultaneously.
The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of diversity. We actively seek and encourage applications from persons of diverse backgrounds.It is the policy of the Guardian ad Litem Program that all decisions regarding recruitment hiring promotions and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race color creed religion national origin sex marital status status with regard to public assistance familial status membership or activity in a local commission disability sexual orientation or age. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process or if you have any additional HR related questions please contact.
