ES-0301-11
Introduction
The District of Columbia Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure (Commission) seeks a dynamic, highly-focused, mission-driven, detail-oriented, tech-savvy individual with excellent writing skills to serve as its Executive Director.
The Commission is an independent agency, established by Congress, whose 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 for judges in the District of Columbia Courts.
The incumbent is responsible for handling complex situations and sensitive oral and written communications; drafts, edits, and analyzes reports and other documents; develops and implements internal policies and procedures; prepares and manages budgets; and partners with community members, judges, court administration and staff, and government/elected officials, as needed.
About the Commission
The Commission is comprised of seven volunteer and seasoned professionals, appointed by the President of the United States, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the City Council of the District of Columbia, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columba, and the Board of Governors of the District of Columbia Bar. The Commission is supported by a small, highly skilled staff including an Executive Director, the Special Assistant to the Chairperson and the Executive Director, as well as outside advisors, including an independent Special Counsel and a medical consultant. Under its statute, the Commission also receives services from other DC agencies.
The Commission’s other statutory responsibilities includes, among other things: (1) evaluating and responding to judicial conduct or health concerns; (2) conducting judicial performance reviews for associate judge reappointments and requests for recommendations on initial appointments and reappointments of senior judges; (3) overseeing annual financial disclosures; (4) engaging with the DC Courts and their leadership on matters that impact judicial performance and ethical considerations; and (5) maintaining public awareness of the Commission, its jurisdiction and statutory responsibilities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent serves as a key advisor to the Commission on all matters and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Commission under the direction of the Chairperson. Works collaboratively with and supports Commission members, the Commission’s independent Special Counsel and medical advisor(s) on the Commission’s statutory obligations, strategic planning, and project management.
Oversees all Commission business and manages and coordinates the daily operations and administrative activities of the office including oversight of staff and collaboration with the Commission and its advisors to support the Commission’s strategic objectives, as directed by the Chairperson and designee Commissioners.
Serves as a key point of contact, liaison, and support for the Chairperson, designee Commissioners, and independent Special Counsel on day-to-day matters, such as monthly meeting planning, court, community, and stakeholder engagement, and other work that supports the Commission’s mission.
Prepares professional correspondence, memoranda, and reports for the Commission. Provides investigation and research support to the Commission’s independent Special Counsel, including legal research.
Serves as the Commission’s Contract Administrator for negotiated services contracts with attorneys, including Special Counsel, investigators, consultants, and medical experts, as well as with various DC government agencies that provide services to the Commission pursuant to Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Develops contract specifications, monitors compliance, certifies the Commission’s receipt of required services, and authorizes payments to contractors. Manages compliance with and maintains accurate historic records of all contracts in which the Commission is a party.
Manages and oversees records management protocol, policies and procedures in addition to the evaluation and enhancement of records management systems.
Manages the Commission’s modernization project, involving the digitization and development of software to effectively automate mission-related activities. Evaluates data to track trends in information, public concerns or contacts with the Commission.
Manages agency fiscal documentation for annual and supplemental funding. Maintains all Commission electronic financial files related to agency obligations, disbursements, and budgeting.
Qualification and Education
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.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities of Position
Expertise and leadership skills to successfully manage, implement, and administer work of staff and specialized contractors and vendors, including Special Counsel, to effectively support the Commission.
Demonstrate knowledge of the Commission’s statutory mission and mandate to communicate on behalf of the Commission with all stakeholders to uphold and advance the Commission’s mission.
Knowledge of the judiciary and its unique roles and responsibilities, legal terminology, pertinent laws, regulations, legal principles, and concepts sufficient to interpret and apply, or explain the application of law, regulations, rules, precedents, and practices.
Demonstrated skill in research methods to locate precedent settings decisions and legislative history having a bearing on a particular legal issue. Demonstrated skill in analyzing issues, facts, and laws to write/prepare drafts and decisions; and to conduct or assist with conducting extensive legal research into legislative history, precedent cases, decisions, and opinions.
Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing. Excellent writing and editing skills, including practical knowledge of and demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and grammatically correct professional written correspondence; experience with preparing and finalizing polished reports; experience taking minutes of meetings.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in an office setting. The work includes the everyday risks and discomforts typical of offices and meeting rooms.
The incumbent may be required to visit other locations from time to time.
License and Certification
None.
Domicile Requirements
Applicants 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 the Commission
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: ES-0301-11
Salary Range: $166,403 - $249,605 Per Annual
Promotional Potential: None
Duration of Appointment: Excepted Service
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation(s): The position has been deemed “security-sensitive”, pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background and traffic records, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks, and traffic records for the duration of your tenure .
Drug Free Workplace
The District of Columbia government maintains a drug-free work environment policy. All District employees are subject to post-accident/incident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
Closing Date: The position will remain open until it is filled.
First Screening Date: March 28, 2025
How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to the Commission’s main e-mail at [email protected]. Only individuals who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted. Applications will be screened as they are received.
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, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.