Job Details for Chief Deputy Clerk
| Court Name/Organization | Illinois Northern District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now accepting applications for two Chief Deputy Clerks. Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system, submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references. |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 01/17/2025 - 01/31/2025 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 16 - JSP 17 |
| Salary | $192,048 - $207,500 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Pages.aspx?nfieOeUa3_I= |
| Announcement Number | 2025-21 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is accepting applications for two executive level positions of Chief Deputy Clerk. This position is located in Chicago, Illinois, and reports to the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk’s Office is comprised of approximately 200 employees and serves 23 District Judges, 11 Senior District Judges, and 14 Magistrate Judges. The Chief Deputy Clerk assists the Clerk of the Court with management of Clerk’s Office operations and other administrative matters.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
As directed by the Clerk of Court, the Chief Deputy provides leadership and support in performing the statutory duties of the District Court Clerk’s Office. The Chief Deputy collaborates with the Clerk of Court on matters impacting activities such as case and records management, courtroom support, jury administration, interpreting, statistical reporting, human resources, budget, finance, procurement, space and facilities, information technology, customer service, and training and development. The Chief Deputy conducts special projects and initiatives, as well as routine assignments. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist with management and oversight for Clerk’s Office operations and business needs of the Court
- Assume duties of the Clerk in his absence or as delegated
- Assist with creation, implementation, and modification of organizational policy, procedures, strategic plans, and local court rules. Interpret and apply the appropriate statutes, rules and operating procedures, including the Guide to Judiciary Policy and local internal polices and controls
- Deliver and recommend staff development and training opportunities for the Clerk’s Office
- Interact with judges, court staff, the Administrative Office, Seventh Circuit, Federal Judicial Center, other federal courts, court units, the bar, government agencies, and the public to resolve complex issues of practice, protocol, and procedure
- Serve as certifying officer for payroll and dispersal of funds including payments of appropriated funds and restitution, under the direction of the Clerk
- Promotes and maintains the integrity of official records in the custody of the court
- Monitors the preparation and management of the annual budget
- Review submission of statistical reporting required to reflect the workload of the court
- Directly manage assigned functional areas to meet ongoing, situational, and emergency needs
- Provide performance management for direct reports, coordinate staff efforts, monitor and ensure compliance with project deadlines
- Assist and advise during major projects, security concerns, and/or emergency operations
- In conjunction with the Clerk and management team, establish and adjust long range goals, schedules, priorities, and deadlines
- Prepare comprehensive memoranda, reports, and correspondence. Draft proposed administrative orders, procedures, and local rules
- Help create and maintain an office environment of civility, mutual respect and professionalism throughout the District Clerk’s Office
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Clerk of Court
Qualifications
To qualify, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited university. Candidates must also have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible managerial experience, preferably working closely with the federal judiciary, that provided an opportunity to gain: 1) thorough knowledge of management practices and administrative processes; 2) skill in developing effective and respectful work relationships; 3) good judgment, temperament, integrity, trustworthiness, and strong character required of an officer of the judiciary; 4) skill in effective communications with a wide variety of people; and 5) the ability to coach, train, mentor and develop people individually and as high performance teams.
Strong interpersonal skills and outstanding problem solving/analytical skills are required. The successful candidate must willingly take initiative and skillfully manage change. A demonstrated ability to balance the demands of multiple constituencies while meeting deadlines is critical.
The successful candidate must be able to display professional and positive demeanor and appearance appropriate for a court environment (business/office wear-professional). As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a background investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter. Occasional travel required.
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of a postgraduate degree in judicial administration, public affairs, government, business, court administration or law is preferred. A minimum of 10 years’ experience (resulting in strong subject matter expertise) in court/legal administration including: operations, information technology, human resources, or administrative services is also preferred. A working knowledge of Microsoft 365, CM/ECF, JIFMS, and the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure is preferred.
Employee Benefits
Further details regarding Federal benefits may be viewed at: ILND Benefits
Miscellaneous
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is accepting applications for two executive level positions of Chief Deputy Clerk. This position is located in Chicago, Illinois, and reports to the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk’s Office is comprised of approximately 200 employees and serves 23 District Judges, 11 Senior District Judges, and 14 Magistrate Judges. The Chief Deputy Clerk assists the Clerk of the Court with management of Clerk’s Office operations and other administrative matters.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
As directed by the Clerk of Court, the Chief Deputy provides leadership and support in performing the statutory duties of the District Court Clerk’s Office. The Chief Deputy collaborates with the Clerk of Court on matters impacting activities such as case and records management, courtroom support, jury administration, interpreting, statistical reporting, human resources, budget, finance, procurement, space and facilities, information technology, customer service, and training and development. The Chief Deputy conducts special projects and initiatives, as well as routine assignments. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist with management and oversight for Clerk’s Office operations and business needs of the Court
- Assume duties of the Clerk in his absence or as delegated
- Assist with creation, implementation, and modification of organizational policy, procedures, strategic plans, and local court rules. Interpret and apply the appropriate statutes, rules and operating procedures, including the Guide to Judiciary Policy and local internal polices and controls
- Deliver and recommend staff development and training opportunities for the Clerk’s Office
- Interact with judges, court staff, the Administrative Office, Seventh Circuit, Federal Judicial Center, other federal courts, court units, the bar, government agencies, and the public to resolve complex issues of practice, protocol, and procedure
- Serve as certifying officer for payroll and dispersal of funds including payments of appropriated funds and restitution, under the direction of the Clerk
- Promotes and maintains the integrity of official records in the custody of the court
- Monitors the preparation and management of the annual budget
- Review submission of statistical reporting required to reflect the workload of the court
- Directly manage assigned functional areas to meet ongoing, situational, and emergency needs
- Provide performance management for direct reports, coordinate staff efforts, monitor and ensure compliance with project deadlines
- Assist and advise during major projects, security concerns, and/or emergency operations
- In conjunction with the Clerk and management team, establish and adjust long range goals, schedules, priorities, and deadlines
- Prepare comprehensive memoranda, reports, and correspondence. Draft proposed administrative orders, procedures, and local rules
- Help create and maintain an office environment of civility, mutual respect and professionalism throughout the District Clerk’s Office
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Clerk of Court
Application Info
Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the court's online applicant tracking system and provide a cover letter, resume, and two professional references by Jan. 31, 2025. To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those applicants who will be interviewed. Applicants selected for interviews will be communicated to only through email and must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Applicants will be screened to determine their experience and qualifications.
All new employees must be fully vaccinated (i.e., at least two weeks after last dose) for COVID-19 and, prior to the starting with the Clerk’s Office, present proof of vaccination or submit a request in writing for an exemption to this requirement on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief or medical condition.
This is a high-sensitive position within the Judiciary. The U.S. District Court requires employees to follow the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Reference checks with current and former employers will be conducted. Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. A preliminary background investigation with law enforcement agencies, including fingerprint and criminal record check will be conducted as a condition of employment. Employment is provisional pending the successful completion of a ten-year, full field OPM background investigation, and favorable suitability determination. Investigative updates will be additionally required every five years. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. Direct deposit is required for payment of compensation for employees. Employees of the District Court, Northern District of Illinois are excepted service appointments. Employees are considered at-will and are not covered by federal civil service classifications or regulations.
Diversity is important to the Judiciary. It is an essential component of services that the Judiciary is charged with providing to maintain justice, equality, fairness, respect, and dignity in society. To fulfill its duties, the Judiciary must include all members of society—not just regardless, but also inclusive of race, gender, disability, and the many other variables that make up the citizens of our nation. The Judiciary has a duty to promote a fair, just, and sustainable model of inclusive democracy and social justice that surpasses any governmental entity in the history of this nation or of any other nation.
To be eligible for employment, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- U.S. citizen;
- Person who owes allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands);
- Person admitted as a refugee or granted asylum who has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; or
- Lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) who is seeking citizenship. 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);
- 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).
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.