Job Details for Chief Deputy Clerk (Type II)

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida seeks a highly qualified professional to serve as chief deputy of operations. The Middle District of Florida includes five divisional courthouses (Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, and Tampa) and employs approximately 300 people (including 160 in the clerk’s office). The court employs two chief deputies who assist the clerk of court in overseeing the operational and administrative functions needed to support its 15 active district judges, 18 senior judges, and 18 magistrate judges as they manage one of the heaviest caseloads in the country. The position is available beginning May 1, 2026. 

The chief deputy of operations is a senior-level executive position that reports to the clerk of court. The chief deputy regularly interacts with federal judges, other court units and federal agencies, members of the bar, and the public. The position requires an individual with the experience, maturity, and leadership skills to anticipate and resolve administrative and operational challenges confidently and efficiently. The chief deputy clerk helps with the day-to-day administration and management of the office, including staff development, change management to meet current and future needs of the court, and making recommendations to the clerk of court on various management matters. Excellent communication skills, policy interpretation and application, and understanding of the clerk’s statutory obligations are fundamental elements of this position. 

The court’s two chief deputy clerks are the clerk's primary advisors and are expected to implement the clerk's goals and objectives. This position operates with substantial autonomy and is critical to overall management, planning, and decision-making within the clerk's office. Absent the clerk, the chief deputy clerks assume the duties and responsibilities of the clerk.

The chief deputy of operations is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the five divisional clerk’s offices and for planning and overseeing implementation of relevant AO initiatives and other process improvements. The chief deputy of operations is responsible for directing the services provided by the clerk’s office, such as intake, docketing, maintaining court records, processing appeals, and providing courtroom support to the judges. The chief deputy of operations also fills a pivotal role in developing and implementing programs, policies and procedures to meet the needs and goals of the court. Representative duties overseen by the chief deputy of operations include case management, court reporters, trial support, and attorney admissions.

Duties may include: 

• Works with all stakeholders, including judges and staff, to develop, implement, and continually improve administrative and operations policies and procedures to ensure quality and consistency with statutory obligations, the Guide to Judiciary Policy, and local internal controls. 
• Helps develop and execute strategic and long-range plans in an environment of limited and decreasing resources. Leads with a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others, while acting as a catalyst for positive organizational change and influencing others to translate vision into action. 
• Participate in financial decision-making, including tracking the annual spending plan, budget allocations, overall staffing decisions, and status of funds.
• Manage complex, special projects, serve on local committees, and perform other duties, as assigned.
• Research and analyze data, prepares comprehensive reports and presentations, and develops and implements programs. 
• Collaborate with other departments during all four phases of the project life cycle: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Builds diverse project teams to include members from each area involved or affected.
• Direct, supervise, coach, develop, and foster teamwork among operational staff at geographically distant locations. Serve as a leadership resource by formulating, recommending, implementing, and evaluating organizational structure, policy, and procedures. 
• Ensure comprehensive onboarding plans are in place and used by each department. 
• Must be able to travel within and outside the District and work during non-business hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed for emergency and other matters.