Job Details for Chief Deputy Clerk (Type II)
| Court Name/Organization | Maine Bankruptcy Court |
| Overview of the Position | The court is seeking an innovative executive leader to serve as our next chief deputy clerk. The chief deputy assists in the administration of the clerk’s office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine. |
| Location | Portland, ME |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 01/28/2026 - 02/27/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 14/1 - JSP 15/10 |
| Salary | $142,452 - $197,200 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.meb.uscourts.gov/employment/ |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The chief deputy clerk is an executive-level management position that serves as a second-in-command to the clerk of court, assisting the clerk in the supervision and management of the Portland and Bangor offices and acting on behalf of the clerk in the clerk’s absence. This position has regular interaction with judges, high level officials of other organizations and agencies, and members of the bar and public. The incumbent reviews and analyzes organizational structure, reporting relationships, and functional assignments; assists with staff development, and change management to meet current and future needs of the office; establishes and adjusts long range schedules, priorities, and deadlines for operational and administrative services; and analyzes the quantity and quality of work and takes or recommends necessary corrective actions.
The chief deputy also assists the clerk with planning, developing, and implementing office and operational policies and procedures to enhance the productivity of the organization; strategic planning in an environment of limited and decreasing resources; managing the annual budget; hiring and assigning personnel, as well as designing and managing training programs; and managing space and facilities and working with the General Services Administration (GSA).
The incumbent prepares statistical and narrative reports; makes recommendations to the clerk of court on various management matters; completes complex projects, including implementation of new local or national programs; and assists in providing leadership, management, and supervision of operational and administrative services through coaching, mentoring, training, and facilitating constructive communication.
Qualifications
Interested applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in professional, investigative, technical, or other responsible work which provided an opportunity to gain:
- General knowledge of management practices and processes
- Skill in communicating with others and building strong relationships
- The ability to exercise mature judgment
At least three of the six years of experience must include progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional work experience.
A master’s degree in business, public administration, law, management, or related field or a juris doctor (JD) degree from an accredited college or university is preferred and may be substituted for some experience requirements. Prior federal court experience, including knowledge of court operations and procedures is preferred.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrate effective leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills; possess a positive work attitude; maintain a professional demeanor; and consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
Employee Benefits
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court offers a generous benefits package to full- time, permanent employees, which includes:
- Paid federal holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Medical insurance
- Optional dental and vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Thrift savings plan with matching funds (401k & roth 401k style)
- Participation in Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Health and dependent care reimbursement programs
- Public transit subsidy program
- Employee assistance program, which provides free counseling, financial assistance, and basic legal services to all eligible employees
Miscellaneous
The chief deputy clerk is an executive-level management position that serves as a second-in-command to the clerk of court, assisting the clerk in the supervision and management of the Portland and Bangor offices and acting on behalf of the clerk in the clerk’s absence. This position has regular interaction with judges, high level officials of other organizations and agencies, and members of the bar and public. The incumbent reviews and analyzes organizational structure, reporting relationships, and functional assignments; assists with staff development, and change management to meet current and future needs of the office; establishes and adjusts long range schedules, priorities, and deadlines for operational and administrative services; and analyzes the quantity and quality of work and takes or recommends necessary corrective actions.
The chief deputy also assists the clerk with planning, developing, and implementing office and operational policies and procedures to enhance the productivity of the organization; strategic planning in an environment of limited and decreasing resources; managing the annual budget; hiring and assigning personnel, as well as designing and managing training programs; and managing space and facilities and working with the General Services Administration (GSA).
The incumbent prepares statistical and narrative reports; makes recommendations to the clerk of court on various management matters; completes complex projects, including implementation of new local or national programs; and assists in providing leadership, management, and supervision of operational and administrative services through coaching, mentoring, training, and facilitating constructive communication.
Application Info
Qualified candidates must submit:
- A letter of interest
- A detailed resume
- Contact information for three professional references
- The judicial application for employment, form AO 78
- A brief narrative that addresses the applicants:
- Management style or philosophy, vision, and values
- Relevant strengths and demonstrated experience as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of this position
- Personal experiences building effective working relationships and developing teams
Application packets should be submitted as a compiled single PDF via e-mail to apply@meb.uscourts.gov with “USBC Chief Deputy” in the subject line. The applicants deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in a personal interview at their own expense. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Applicants scheduled for an interview should advise if a reasonable accommodation will be necessary. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, any of which actions may occur without prior written notice or other notice.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.