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.
Summary
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.
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.
All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and a favorable employment suitability determination. Initial and continued appointment in this position is conditioned on a favorable moderate risk, five-year background investigation (renewed every five years). An unfavorable investigation at any point during employment may lead to removal.
This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under 8 U.S.C.§1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.
Qualifications
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.
Education
At a minimum, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Additional information
This is an on-site position in downtown Washington, DC. Regular telework is not available. Limited ad hoc telework may be available on a case-by-case basis consistent with court policy.
Working hours must incorporate the core public hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and alternative work schedules are not available. The position requires flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate with little notice.
As the primary backup to the Circuit Executive, the position requires availability for on-call emergency response and business continuity situations to ensure uninterrupted court operations and executive leadership presence. Periodic travel may be required for professional development, judiciary conferences and meetings, or court business.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews, limited funding may be available for final candidates only; for all other interviews, candidates must travel at their own expense.
The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service, at-will appointments. Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A generous benefits package is available to full-time permanent court employees including:
Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance; Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (HCRA).
Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.
A generous benefits package is available to full-time permanent court employees including:
Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance; Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (HCRA).
Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To be considered, application packages must be complete and submitted using the provided online application system which is accessible by following the link below. Complete packages must include:
Cover letter of no more than two (2) pages describing (1) the candidate's management philosophy and approach and (2) the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience relevant to the duties and requirements for this position. The cover letter must provide substantive information not found on the résumé. Applicants should specifically address the Required Qualifications and Competencies (and any Preferred Qualifications) listed above, providing concrete examples as appropriate. Strong cover letters will also demonstrate understanding of the Federal Circuit's unique operational environment and articulate a vision for operational excellence aligned with the court's mission and strategic priorities. Cover letters that merely repeat or summarize résumé content will not receive full consideration.
Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and relevant accomplishments.
Academic transcripts (official or unofficial).
Completion of the online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. All application components must be completed in all parts. Applicants may refer to their résumé as appropriate when responding to specific questions, but each component must be substantively addressed. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.
Completion of the online assessment modules.
Once you have the cover letter, résumé, and academic transcripts (items 1, 2, and 3 above) readily accessible in PDF format, follow the link below to submit your files and complete the online AO-78 and online assessments (items 4 and 5 above): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-SL70FC2QP/landing?u=116354
Applicants should submit only the requested materials; additional documentation beyond the five required items will neither be reviewed nor considered and may adversely impact full consideration of the application.
Questions or Accommodations: For questions about this position or to request accommodations for the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@cafc.uscourts.gov. Please note that substantive questions about qualifications or candidate fit will be addressed during the interview process.
Applications submitted to this email address will not be reviewed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews may commence immediately upon identification of qualified candidates. Early application is encouraged. This position is open until filled.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To be considered, application packages must be complete and submitted using the provided online application system which is accessible by following the link below. Complete packages must include:
Cover letter of no more than two (2) pages describing (1) the candidate's management philosophy and approach and (2) the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience relevant to the duties and requirements for this position. The cover letter must provide substantive information not found on the résumé. Applicants should specifically address the Required Qualifications and Competencies (and any Preferred Qualifications) listed above, providing concrete examples as appropriate. Strong cover letters will also demonstrate understanding of the Federal Circuit's unique operational environment and articulate a vision for operational excellence aligned with the court's mission and strategic priorities. Cover letters that merely repeat or summarize résumé content will not receive full consideration.
Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and relevant accomplishments.
Academic transcripts (official or unofficial).
Completion of the online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. All application components must be completed in all parts. Applicants may refer to their résumé as appropriate when responding to specific questions, but each component must be substantively addressed. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.
Completion of the online assessment modules.
Once you have the cover letter, résumé, and academic transcripts (items 1, 2, and 3 above) readily accessible in PDF format, follow the link below to submit your files and complete the online AO-78 and online assessments (items 4 and 5 above): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-SL70FC2QP/landing?u=116354
Applicants should submit only the requested materials; additional documentation beyond the five required items will neither be reviewed nor considered and may adversely impact full consideration of the application.
Questions or Accommodations: For questions about this position or to request accommodations for the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@cafc.uscourts.gov. Please note that substantive questions about qualifications or candidate fit will be addressed during the interview process.
Applications submitted to this email address will not be reviewed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews may commence immediately upon identification of qualified candidates. Early application is encouraged. This position is open until filled.
