Deputy Judicial Conference Secretariat Officer
What you'd do
The Deputy Judicial Conference Secretariat Officer position is in the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO), Judicial Conference Secretariat (JCS). JCS supports the Judicial Conference of the United States, a standing body of federal judges, and its committees. The Judicial Conference serves as the national policymaking arm of the judiciary and sets policies governing the operation of federal courts and federal defender offices.
Major duties
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO), Judicial Conference Secretariat (JCS), is seeking a self-motivated, dynamic, and experienced Deputy Judicial Conference Secretariat Officer to join its team. JCS plays a vital role in supporting the Judicial Conference and its committees in crafting national administrative policy for the U.S. courts. Headed by the JSC Officer, JCS serves the Judicial Conference and its Executive Committee. JCS provides professional and administrative support for Executive Committee meetings and the Judicial Conference's biannual sessions, and coordinates the AO staff who support other Conference committees. The office reviews all committee reports and agenda materials presented to the Judicial Conference and its committees and also supports the advisory structure of judges and professional court personnel that advise the AO Director. JCS activities are highly visible to federal judiciary senior officials, including high-level AO staff. The Deputy Judicial Secretariat Officer addresses inquiries from judges and others regarding policies and actions of the Judicial Conference and its committees and provides procedural guidance and advice. The incumbent prepares agenda materials for the Executive Committee, supervises the guidance and support provided by JCS to committee staffers, and oversees the logistical and other administrative arrangements for Conference sessions and Executive Committee meetings. The incumbent also assists the JCS Officer in carrying out various other functions of JCS, including participation in management decisions, delivery of staff services at Judicial Conference sessions, and acting in the JCS Officer's absence. The ideal candidate must have excellent research, critical-thinking, and analytical skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly; plan, organize, and work under demanding circumstances and time constraints; identify and resolve problems; work collaboratively; and effectively communicate with AO management, judges, senior court personnel, and employees of the executive and legislative branches. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Supporting the JCS Officer in providing legal and other professional staff support for the Judicial Conference of the U.S. and its Executive Committee. Responding to inquiries concerning Conference policy positions. Advising Judicial Conference and committee members on procedural matters. Identifying, researching, and analyzing relevant legal, policy, and factual issues pertaining to Judicial Conference policy making. Reviewing draft committee reports and agenda items and addressing concerns with committee staffers. Coordinating staff support to all Conference committees, including monitoring agenda topics to avoid overlapping and conflict, and developing clearance schedules for draft agenda items and reports. Overseeing the preparation and distribution of the consent and discussion calendars and other materials relating to Conference sessions. Attending Judicial Conference sessions and taking notes. Aiding in the preparation of preliminary and final reports of Conference actions and other proceedings. Attending Executive Committee meetings to present issues and take notes and preparing Memoranda of Action reflecting actions taken at those meetings. Drafting and reviewing the briefing book provided to the Chief Justice as Presiding Official and other materials distributed to Judicial Conference members. Assisting the JCS Officer make appointments for the AO Director and Chief Justice with Conference committees and special courts, panels, and boards. Providing leadership, support, and assistance on AO's court advisory process and the activities of advisory councils and groups. Identifying process improvements and changes to administrative procedures and protocols to create efficiencies while simultaneously safeguarding the work product of the Judicial Conference and its committees. Supervising JCS staff and collaborating with the JCS Officer.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must have demonstrated experience as listed below. This requirement is according to the AO Classification, Compensation, and Recruitment Systems which include interpretive guidance and reference to the OPM Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions. Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a federal court of general jurisdiction. Applicants are responsible for citing minimum qualifications such as J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes. Failure to supply details will constitute an incomplete application. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Post J.D. Experience: Applicants must also possess at least 4 years of post J.D. experience. Specialized Experience: Subsequent to graduation from law school, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of this position. Specialized experience must demonstrate experience in ALL areas defined below: Providing legal and policy advice and guidance on a broad range of issues, policies, procedures, and legislative matters. Analyzing and presenting interpretations of statues, regulations, decisional law, opinions, and legal or policy issues. Preparing written communications, such as legal or policy memoranda, judicial opinions, executive-quality correspondence, and reports. Highly Desired: Federal judicial law clerk experience. Experience or knowledge of federal judiciary policies, procedures, and regulations, and membership on a law review editorial board. Experience providing staff support to Judicial Conference committees, circuit judicial councils, council committees, or similar policy-making or advisory groups. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.