The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) is unique among the thirteen Circuit Courts of Appeal. It has nationwide jurisdiction in a variety of subject areas, including international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the United States government, federal personnel, veterans' benefits, and public safety officers' benefits claims. For additional information about our court please click here.
At a minimum, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of administrative, technical, or professional work that included at least two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience that provided an opportunity to gain skill in developing the interpersonal work relationships needed to lead a team of employees; the ability to exercise mature judgement; and, thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and theories of management and the ability to understand the managerial policies applicable to this position. For appointment at the CL-31, at least one year of the required experience must be at the CL-30 (GS 14) or equivalent. Required Competencies Experience working in the federal or state judiciary. Comprehensive knowledge of case administration and management processes and electronic case filing systems. Demonstrated experience with data analytics. Experience using Microsoft 365 applications, including SharePoint, in an office environment. Demonstrated experience with project management. Preferred Qualifications Completion of a postgraduate degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field, such as public administration, business administration, operations management, or law. Completion of a Federal Judicial Center leadership or management training program. Completion of a National Center for State Courts certification program (CCM, CCE, ICM Fellow). Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment. Demonstrated strong writing and editing abilities in a professional environment. Experience in applying process improvement, quality management, or similar methods to improve or enhance court operations. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and interact with a wide range of stakeholders, including judicial officers or senior executive leadership.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Functional Management: Manage, develop, and mentor supervisory, professional, administrative, and operational staff involved in court operational activities, including establishing standards, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, and handling disciplinary actions. Oversee the following functional areas: intake, case processing and management, courtroom management and support, records management, operations training, and operations support. Establish work procedures, conduct staff meetings, provide information, delegate work fairly and consistently, and reallocate staff as needed. Adjust priorities and deadlines, as needed, for the completion of goals and coordinate work schedules and coverage needs within functional areas of responsibility. Oversee work products and processes and provide guidance as required. Monitor and evaluate the quality of work, level of compliance, and staff activities within the Clerk's Office. Ensure employees receive process and procedural systems training, including initial, updated, or remedial training. Operations Management: Manage court operations through coordinating and communicating office procedures with supervisors, court executives, judges, and chambers staff. Establish and monitor programs which implement change management and quality management techniques. Consult with and provide advice, guidance, and recommended action to judges, senior managers, and staff of the court regarding all Clerk's Office operations and supporting processes and systems. Organize work processes to optimize the use of time and resources, ensuring results meet expectations. Use statistical reports and analysis to monitor the management of cases and Clerk's Office processes and take appropriate action. Develop, review, and implement operational policies and procedures for the Clerk's Office. Adjust officewide priorities and deadlines, as needed, for the completion of goals and coordinate work schedules and coverage needs across all Clerk's Office areas. Communicate and respond directly to requests from judges, court executives and managers, and staff of the court as needed. Strategic Planning and Management: Initiate, develop, direct, and supervise long- and short-term projects and strategic planning management regarding the efficient functioning of the Clerk's Office and implementing and monitoring of strategic and project plans for the accomplishment of goals. Initiate, recommend, and assist with the development of strategies, plans, actions, policies, standards, rules, and procedures related to Clerk's Office operations, including the electronic case management system. Identify, prepare, recommend, and review changes to court policies and procedures impacting court operations. Research and analyze data, prepare comprehensive reports and presentations, and develop and implement programs. Develop and facilitate presentations, including visual presentations, for judges or staff regarding special projects or topics. Coordinate and facilitate court-wide and unit-specific advisory groups, working teams, project teams or meetings of similar groups impacting Clerk's Office operations. Represent the court as needed in judiciary-wide initiatives, meetings, and conferences. Continuity Support: Plan and implement processes and protocols to ensure business continuity of essential functions consistent with the court's emergency planning and preparedness program. Serve as primary deputy-in-charge in the absence of the Chief Deputy Clerk and provide backup coverage, after-hours, emergency, and continuity of operations support, as needed. Supervisory Deputy Clerk Responsibilities: Communicate and respond to judges, chambers staff, and management requests regarding court operations. Answer procedural questions for judges, staff, and the public. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to explain complex operational matters and concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with the public and staff, providing good customer service and resolving difficulties efficiently while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Facilitate, mediate, and negotiate complex and sensitive matters with judges, managers, unit executives, supervisors, and court staff, while maintaining confidentiality. Develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for assigned functions. Support office financial processes and court sessions, as needed. Comply with the Guide to Judiciary Policy, applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures, internal controls guidelines, and all local policies and procedures. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment at all times. Display a careful and deliberate approach in handling confidential information in a variety of contexts.