Chief Deputy Clerk and Assistant Circuit Executive for Court Operations

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.

Requirements:

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.