Introduction

The Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure (Commission) seeks a dynamic, highly-focused, mission-driven, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy individual to serve as its Executive Director.  The Executive Director works with Commission members on strategic planning, handles complex situations and sensitive communications, project management, develops and implements internal policies and procedures, prepares budgets, drafts and analyzes reports, and partners with community, government, elected officials and their staff, as well as judges and court administration, as needed.  The Executive Director works closely with the Commission’s Special Counsel on legal and investigative matters, and briefs the Commission on matters and developments from state Commissions across the United States.  The Executive Director is a key advisor to the Commission on all matters and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the Commission. 

About the Commission

The Commission is comprised of seven volunteer and seasoned professionals, each appointed by the President of the United States, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the City Council of the District of Columbia, and the Board of Governors of the District of Columbia Bar. 
 
The Commission’s mission is to maintain public confidence in an independent, impartial, fair and qualified judiciary, and to enforce the high standards of conduct judges must adhere to, both on and off the bench.  The Commission accomplishes its mission by 1) investigating and taking appropriate action on complaints of potential misconduct; 2) involuntary retiring judges for health reasons; 3) evaluating and reappointing judges at the end of their 15-year term; 4) considering judges for senior status; and 5) keeping abreast of a range of issues facing the judiciary, the Bar, and the public on important matters related to judicial conduct and ethics within the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Major Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing all Commission business and for managing and coordinating the daily operations and administrative activities of the office, including the hiring and managing of staff necessary to support the Commission’s strategic objectives, as directed by the Chairperson 
• Serves as a proactive, creative, and practical thought and change leader on Commission operations and major projects such as modernizing and streamlining back-office processes and service delivery, as well as collaboration with other agencies and the court, as needed.  
• Works with Commission and stakeholders to prepare and manage the Commission’s budget, information technology, and support services functions. As needed, prepares reporting, testimony, and required statements to stakeholders and provides periodic reporting for Commissioners. As needed, serves as the Commission’s representative for certain reporting roles. 
• Works collaboratively in developing fiscal documentation as required to obtain annual and supplemental funding.  Maintains all agency electronic financial files related to agency obligations and disbursements
• Serves as the Commission’s Contract Administrator for negotiated services contracts with attorneys, investigators, consultants, and medical experts. Develops contract specifications, monitors compliance and certifies to the receipt of required services, and authorizes payments to contractors.
• Coordinates and facilitates Commission meetings and other meetings necessary to promote communication flow and decision-making
• Interacts with high-level Commissioners and District and federal personnel to carry out the Commission’s mandates and directives
• Organizes, compiles data for, and prepares initial drafts of Commission testimony, minutes, and other internal and external communication 
• Assists the Commission’s Special Counsel on legal and investigative matters.  In certain instances, the Executive Director must evaluate matters for escalation to the Special Counsel, Commission leadership and/or the full Commission

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities of the Position

• Impeccable sound judgment and discretion, given the individual’s access to extraordinarily sensitive information, and proven ability to maintain confidential information and documents  
• Significant project management experience including using technology for process improvements, excellent communication and organization skills, multi-tasking abilities, and strong familiarity with the judiciary and its role  
• Agency operations and communications experience and demonstrated ability to successfully manage a small but important flexible office 
• Outstanding leadership abilities, excellent collaboration, teamwork, and customer service skills, great interpersonal quality and communication skills
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management 
• Ability to provide competent advice on a wide range of Commission business, 
• Proactive, thoughtful, self-motivated, and skilled at managing time and workflow, assessing potential risk for mitigation and/or escalation to leadership, and managing through challenging, complex problems, and
• Ability to analyze, interpret and synthesize information quickly and provide it in a form others can understand 
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications including, but not limited to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, as well as cloud-based systems such as Microsoft OneDrive, Box, and customer relations management (CRM) tools such as Sales Force.

Qualifications and Experience

Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, the incumbent must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

A law degree is preferred but not required.

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is performed in an office setting. 

Domicile Requirements

Applicant will be subject to the domiciliary requirements for Excepted Service appointees, who must be domiciled in the District of Columbia at the time of appointment or become domiciled in the District of Columbia within 180 days after appointment and maintain such domicile for the duration of his or her appointment. “The commission, in its discretion, may waive the residency requirement.”

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty:  Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm or other tour agreed to by CJDT

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: ES-0301-09

Salary Range: $119,810 - $179,716

Promotional Potential: None

Collective Bargaining Unit:  This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit. 

Position Designation:  This position is designated as Security Sensitive.  The incumbents of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability. 

How to Apply:  Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Only individuals who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted.  The position will be opened until filled.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, credit information, homeless status, status as a victim or family of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, or political affiliation.