Deputy Judicial Conference Secretariat Officer

Summary

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.

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.

Qualifications

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.

Education

Applicants must possess a law degree (J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Qualifying education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/.

How You Will Be Evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation and compare this information to your responses on the occupational questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, we will evaluate your application package, to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume and/or narrative responses, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Failure to submit the mandatory narrative responses will result in not receiving full consideration and/or rating credit. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you, withdrawing an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.

Required Documents

For this job announcement the following documents and/or information are required: Resume - Any written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications. Citizenship - Include country of citizenship on resume. Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) - All applicants outside of the AO must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 to verify current or former Federal employment status. Veterans Preference documentation - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), if applicable Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) and an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying to the veteran's present receipt of compensation.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 07/14/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12986550

What to Expect Next

After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and referral to the hiring official if determined qualified. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

Additional Information

The AO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.