Chief Deputy Clerk and Assistant Circuit Executive for Court Operations

Full Job Description

The Federal Circuit seeks an exceptional executive leader to serve as Chief Deputy Clerk and Assistant Circuit Executive for Court Operations-the court's deputy court executive and chief operations officer.

This is a unique opportunity to shape judicial administration at a court with nationwide jurisdiction in specialized areas including patents, international trade, government contracts, veterans' benefits, and federal personnel matters.

Specialized Experience: JSP-15: Candidates must have a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative experience that provided a general understanding of management practices and administrative processes, skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships, and the ability to exercise mature judgment.

At least three (3) of the six (6) years of experience must have been specialized experience in supervisory or managerial professional work that provided an opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, policies, and theories of management.

JSP-16: Candidates must have a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible administrative experience that provided a general understanding of management practices and administrative processes, skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships, and the ability to exercise mature judgment.

At least four (4) of the eight (8) years of experience must have been specialized experience in supervisory or managerial professional work that provided an opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, policies, and theories of management.

JSP-17: Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative experience that provided a general understanding of management practices and administrative processes, skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships, and the ability to exercise mature judgment.

At least five (5) of the ten (10) years of experience must have been specialized experience in supervisory or managerial professional work that provided an opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, policies, and theories of management.

To be eligible for the JSP 17, candidates must be a current federal judiciary employee.

Note: Substantive legal expertise in the court's specialized subject matter areas (patents, international trade, government contracts, veterans' benefits, etc.) is not required.

Expertise in court management, judicial administration, or operational leadership are the essential qualifications for this position.

Candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who demonstrate the required leadership qualifications and competencies are encouraged to apply.

Applicants who do not meet the qualification requirements for JSP-17 may be considered for appointment at JSP-16 or JSP-15, with promotion potential to JSP-17 without further competition.

Applicants who do not meet the qualification requirements for JSP-16 may be considered for appointment at JSP-15.

Required Competencies: Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies through their application materials.

Executive presence with demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex organizations. Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with data-driven decision-making approach. Proven track record in change management and driving organizational transformation.

Financial acumen and experience with budget management and resource allocation. Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

High ethical standards, sound judgment, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to facilitate, mediate, and negotiate complex and sensitive matters with senior officials/judges, managers, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior management experience at either a federal, state, military, tribal or administrative court.

Completion of a postgraduate degree such as a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or related field.

Completion of a court executive certification from the National Center for State Courts or other relevant professional certification.

Prior experience engaging in or leading process improvement efforts or projects. Experience developing and implementing strategic plans or organizational improvement initiatives.

Demonstrated track record of achieving operational excellence through implementation of performance measurement systems, establishment of key performance indicators, and data-driven process improvements that produced quantifiable results.

Experience leading technology modernization initiatives, including implementation of case management systems, digital transformation projects, or major technology upgrades.

Experience working with and contributing to budget development and execution, including administration of nonappropriated funds. Major Duties:

Representative duties may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the court and Clerk's Office.

Strategic Leadership and Coordination: Provide executive-level operational leadership ensuring compliance with federal regulations, judiciary policies, and ethical standards including the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, and court confidentiality requirements.

Advise the Circuit Executive on policy matters, operational effectiveness, and strategic improvements.

Exercise executive authority for routine Clerk's Office decisions and assume complete authority over all court operations during the Circuit Executive's absence, including after-hours and emergency situations.

Share certifying officer authority on rotation, personally approving court expenditures with full accountability.

Participate in executive coordination meetings ensuring strategic alignment and resource allocation in the areas of budget development and execution, procurement planning, facilities management, technology infrastructure, and policy development.

Operational Management and Records Custody: Direct comprehensive case management operations including end-to-end processing across specialized service areas.

Exercise direct supervision over managers who head organizational units within the Clerk's Office.

Oversee receipt, handling, maintenance, storage, and control of all official records received in, created by, or processed through the Clerk's Office.

Coordinate with Circuit Executive's Office on financial operations including fee collection, revenue processing, and financial reporting; serve as administrator of nonappropriated funds.

Coordinate personnel management in collaboration with Human Resources.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Service: Lead external stakeholder engagement initiatives ensuring exceptional service to attorneys, litigants, government agencies, and the public.

Communicate and respond to judges, chambers staff, and management requests regarding court operations.

Answer procedural questions for judges, staff, and the public regarding case processing, filing requirements, and court procedures.

Interact effectively with the public and staff, providing excellent customer service and resolving difficulties efficiently while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures.

Policy Development and Procedural Management: Develop and recommend Clerk's Office operational policies and case-related procedural guidance to the Circuit Executive.

Research and clarify interpretation of rules, regulations, and operational requirements to inform policy decisions.

Staff the court's Rules Committee and chair the staff Rules and Operations Working Group.

Develop and supervise guidelines by which the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and local rules are applied in cases filed with the court.

Provide expert guidance on complex rules interpretation, recommend decisions on novel procedural matters, and serve as principal advisor on rules compliance and procedural questions.

Coordinate implementation of adopted rule changes including staff training, procedure updates, and system modifications.

Quality Assurance and Performance Management: Establish quality assurance systems over Clerk's Office work product; establish and ensure product standards are met through consultation with the Circuit Executive.

Establish quality management systems, service standards, and performance benchmarks.

Implement quality assurance programs including process audits, error analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Champion operational risk management, identifying and mitigating risks related to case processing, data integrity, security, and service delivery.

Statistical Reporting and Data Management: Direct creation and submission of statistical data and management information reflecting court workload and case progression.

Oversee preparation of statistical reports to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and Federal Judicial Center on behalf of the court.

Lead Data Quality Services including court-wide analytics, data governance, performance measurement systems, and internal auditing. Ensure accuracy of information disseminated by the office.