Ballinger | Leafblad is honored to partner with the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Board on the search for its next Program Administrator. This statewide child advocacy organization within the Minnesota Judicial Branch is dedicated to protecting the best interests of children involved in child protection and family court proceedings. Across every region of the state, Guardians ad Litem work directly with children, families, courts, attorneys, county agencies, tribal communities, and community partners to ensure children's voices, safety, permanency, and well-being remain at the center of critical decisions affecting their lives. Today, the Program includes more than 260 staff and 40 volunteers and serves nearly 10,000 children annually through thousands of court cases and hearings statewide.

Reporting directly to the State Guardian ad Litem Board, the Program Administrator serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of this statewide organization. This role provides leadership across strategy, operations, finance, public policy, and organizational culture while serving as the Program's primary representative with legislators, judicial leaders, county and tribal partners, and other stakeholders across Minnesota. The next Program Administrator will have the opportunity to strengthen statewide consistency, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability while advancing the Program's mission of ensuring every child has a strong and independent advocate within the court system.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000 depending on qualifications.

Compensation includes participation in a comprehensive and generous benefits package. Details in the full position profile.

View the full position profile at
https://www.ballingerleafblad.com/current-searches

TO APPLY

All applicants must apply online here. A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

We strive for a transparent and supportive process, starting with an initial review of applications, followed by exploratory conversations with qualified candidates, in-depth interviews, and open communication throughout. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications.

All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality, subject to standard recruiting practices and any applicable legal disclosure obligations.

For more details or questions, inquiries may also be directed to Jamie Millard at jamie@ballingerleafblad.com.

Applications will be accepted through June 26, 2026 or until the position is filled. Review of materials begins immediately. We encourage early application.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years of 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.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic counsel and recommendations to a governing board.
• Experience working effectively with legislators, public agencies, judicial leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning, operational leadership, and organizational management skills.
• Experience strengthening organizational systems, accountability, and operational consistency.
• Proven 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 statewide operations.

About Ballinger | Leafblad

We’re good for the civic sector. It takes a leader to find leaders, and with decades of experience in the civic sector we know how to identify your needs, build a process that works for you, and find the perfect fit. It’s what we’re all about, from our interests and education to our bedrock values. We work exclusively in the civic sector with organizations that do good—foundations, nonprofits, higher education institutions and professional associations. Good is different. And different is good. We bring decades of experience to the table—proven methods, deep insights and diverse connections. The classic way to do business. But then we get different—we reimagine the search process for the civic sector. We focus on building trust. We forge a long-term relationship. The business of good people is about collaboration.

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