Summary
The United States District Court for the District of Arizona is seeking a senior level executive with experience in leading a large, diverse, and innovative organization to serve as the District Court Executive and Clerk of Court for one of the nation's busiest federal district courts. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, along with a proven record of leadership and accomplishment, are required, preferably in a court environment.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
The District Court Executive/Clerk of Court (DCE/Clerk) is appointed by the district judges and has overall management authority and responsibility for the non-judicial components of the court. The DCE/Clerk occupies the highest level non-judicial position in the court and works closely with the chief judge in assuring the administrative and operational needs of the court are effectively and efficiently met. The DCE/Clerk serves as the court's liaison and works cooperatively with federal and local government agencies, bar groups, media representatives, and the public. The DCE/Clerk serves at the pleasure of the court and is responsible for performing the statutory duties of the Office of the Clerk pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 751.
DISTRICT PROFILE
The District of Arizona serves the entire state of Arizona, with offices located in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma. There are approximately 295 Clerk's Office and chambers staff, including the judges. There are 13 District Judges, 14 Senior District Judges and 14 Magistrate Judges. By General Order of the Court, the DCE/Clerk is also responsible for providing administrative support services in the areas of human resources, systems technology, space, facilities and budget to judges and court staff, including the Offices of the Clerk, and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.
The DCE/Clerk's responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Consulting with the Chief Judge regarding court administration and policy.
- Providing the administrative and operational infrastructure necessary to efficiently and effectively achieve the court's mission.
- Management and oversight of the U.S. District Court's annual budget throughout the fiscal year.
- Creating a vision of excellence through strategic planning in an environment of limited and decreasing resources.
- Directing the processing of civil and criminal cases while promoting and maintaining the integrity of official court records in the custody of the court.
- Directing the jury operations of the court and making recommendations to improve juror utilization.
- Directing the court's financial service function and ensuring proper oversight in the development, revision, and maintenance of internal control procedures.
- Serving as the district's Public Information Officer.
- Managing the staff responsible for information technology services, budget, inventory control, space and facilities projects, and human resources management.
- Coordinating statistical studies and reports as required by the court, the Ninth Circuit, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
- Analyzing and making recommendations on statutes, local rules, and procedures affecting the operation of the court.
- Directing development and administration of comprehensive emergency preparedness plans.
- Coordinating with members of the bar, the public, and government agencies to improve the delivery of court services.
- Serving as liaison to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this position.
- Background investigation
- Pre-employment drug test
Qualifications
To be qualified for appointment as DCE/Clerk of Court, a candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of administrative experience in public service or business that provides a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and human aspects of managing an organization. At least (3) of the 10 years of experience must have been in a position of substantial managerial responsibility. Such experience should include operational knowledge of the courts, financial management, space and facilities management, human resources management, and long and short-range planning. The successful candidate must have excellent analytical skills, good judgment, solid organizational and problem-solving experience, and outstanding oral and written communication skills.
Education
A bachelor's degree with an emphasis in government, public, or business administration or related field is required while a post-graduate degree in these areas is preferred.
Additional information
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.
The initial appointment to this position is provisional pending the successful completion of the required background checks and/or investigations.
Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Employees of the U.S. District Court serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). Federal Civil Service classifications or regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to substantially the same benefits as other Federal Government employees.
The U.S. District Court is a drug-free workplace and the applicant selected will be required to participate in a drug screening test prior to employment.
All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials or the inability to meet the following conditions may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed.
Participation in the interview process will be at the applicant's own expense.
All promotions are subject to the approval of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
The position is subject to the mandatory electronic fund transfer (EFT) participation for payment of net pay (i.e. Direct Deposit).
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). In most cases, this means that an offer of employment cannot be made unless the candidate is a lawful permanent resident who is seeking U.S. citizenship as explained below. 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.
The U.S. District Court, District of Arizona 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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Complete applications will be reviewed based on Judiciary qualification standards. Applicants selected for interview will be evaluated based upon the question responses they provide during the structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions, the applicant should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what they did, and the outcome.
Required Documents
Qualified applicants must submit the following in ONE PDF document:
1. Cover letter describing experience and other skills or training that qualify the candidate to perform the duties of DCE/Clerk. Include the names and contact information of three (3) professional references.
2. Narrative, no more than two (2) typewritten pages, double spaced, addressing the candidate's leadership philosophy, and how that philosophy can be applied as the DCE/Clerk.
3. Current resume that includes complete work and salary history, including education.
4. AO-78 (Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment). The AO-78 can be downloaded at https://www.azd.uscourts.gov/employment or https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment
How to Apply
Next steps
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) to the designated email address, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, applications will be referred to the hiring manager who will determine who may be contacted for an interview.