Job Details for Director of Events and Communications
| Court Name/Organization: | Federal Circuit Court of Appeals |
| Overview of the Position: | The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, engaging, and self-directed individual to serve as the court’s Director of Events and Communications. The primary focus of this role is to manage court events and outreach programs—such as the biennial Federal Circuit Judicial Conference and annual out-of-town court sessions--public information and media relations, and public court communications and publications. This position reports directly to the Circuit Executive and Clerk of Court. |
| Location: | Washington, DC |
| Opening and Closing Dates: | 05/06/2024 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type: | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade: | CL 28 - CL 29 |
| Salary: | $79,339 - $153,366 |
| Link to Court Careers Information: | https://cafc.uscourts.gov/home/the-court/human-resources/careers/ |
| Announcement Number: | CAFC 24-08 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Responsibilities of the Director of Events and Communications may include but are not limited to:
- Conference and Event Planning: Plan, manage, and implement all arrangements for the biennial Federal Circuit Judicial Conference, including speaker relations, on-site administration, agenda and program development and planning, logistics and site planning and selection. Coordinate procurement, contracting, and budgeting needs in support of events. Manage and direct conference and event logistics, including determining requirements, location, space needs and set-up, audio-visual and technological equipment, and hotel and travel arrangements. Coordinate and direct the planning and support of special court events and programs, including court ceremonies, court meetings, staff events, and other programs. Provide staff support to special projects and programs as needed.
- Outreach Programs Management: Plan, manage, and implement court public outreach and engagement programs, including the court’s annual out-of-town session, bar association and community programs, and other visitor programs. Manage and direct outreach program logistics, including determining requirements, location, space needs and set-up, audio-visual and technological equipment, and hotel and travel arrangements. Coordinate procurement and contracting needs in support of outreach programs. Coordinate liaison support between the bar and related associations and the court. Provide public outreach support to the Director of Civic Education as needed. Assist the Circuit Executive and Clerk of Court as the representative of the court to the media, other courts and judicial offices, federal agencies, lawyers, litigants, and the public at large.
- Ceremonial and Special Court Sessions Coordination. Plan, manage, and implement court ceremonies, including judicial investitures and portrait presentations. Manage and direct logistics, including determining requirements, location, space needs and set-up, audio-visual and technological equipment, and other arrangements. Coordinate procurement and contracting needs in support of these court sessions.
- Public Information and Media Relations: Serve as the court’s public information officer and media liaison. Respond to media and public information inquiries. Prepare and issue press releases, advisories, and public notices. Develop communications plans and strategies in support of the court’s mission and programming. Prepare responses to inquiries to the Circuit Executive and Clerk of Court regarding procedures or information requests about the court’s processes or procedural matters. Serve as a visible and accessible information source to respond to requests for assistance and information from judges, court staff, other court units, attorneys, bar associations, federal and state agencies, academics, researchers, litigants, school groups, members of the public, and other interested parties. Prepare materials for presentations to the judges, bar associations, and other outside organizations and entities. Provide staff media relations training and support as needed.
- Public Communications: Develop and maintain content for public websites, external publications, digital content, and other court communications, including information relevant to the work of the court and the court’s civic engagement programs, learning center, and historic buildings that are part of the National Courts Building complex. Ensure the readability and accessibility of court communications and public website content. Develop and maintain uniform document style, format, and usage for public communications. Develop and maintain public information materials, such as brochures and similar informational and educational materials.
- General Responsibilities: Communicate and respond to judges, chambers staff, and management requests regarding circuit operations, policies, and procedures. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to explain complex operational matters and concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with the public and staff, providing good customer and quality service and resolving issues efficiently while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for assigned functions. Comply with The Guide to Judiciary Policy, applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures, internal controls guidelines, and all local policies and procedures. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment at all times. Display a careful and deliberate approach in handling confidential information in a variety of contexts.
Qualification
Education: At a minimum, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Competencies
In addition to the above minimum qualifications, successful candidates should possess one or more of the following competencies"
- Demonstrated project management experience in creating and managing programs or events
- Demonstrated ability to possess sound judgement, poise, tact, and diplomacy when working with a variety of stakeholders, including judicial officers, senior executives, academic leadership, public officials, or similar C-suite level positions
- Knowledge of and experience using SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office 365, and Adobe Acrobat
- Exceptional writing and editing skills and experience producing public-facing documents and materials
- Ability to work independently and to set priorities across multiple assignments, as well as to work cooperatively in a team environment
- Excellent time management skills
Note: Due to the nature of this work, candidates must be able to travel and work off-site at a hotel or similar meeting location with advance notice. During events, incumbent may be on call or required to work for an extended number of hours over five to six days at a time.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment
- Experience working in the federal judiciary
- Experience in document, web, or graphic design and related software applications
- Experience in working with the media or in a public information office
- Familiarity and experience in public speaking to a variety of audiences
- Professional credentials or certification in public relations, event/conference management, or project management
Specialized Experience
- CL 28 ($79,339 – $128,992): At a minimum, candidates must possess three years of specialized experience which provided the opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, policies, practices, and theories of event planning, public outreach and communications, and/or project management.
- CL 29 ($94,359 – $153,366): At a minimum, candidates must possess four years of specialized experience which provided the opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, policies, practices, and theories of event planning, public outreach and communications, and/or project management.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.