Job Details for NITOAD Deputy Branch Chief
| Court Name/Organization | Texas Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Branch Chief, National Information Technology Operations and Applications Development (NITOAD), in San Antonio, Texas. The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program’s staffed offices in 204 locations throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The federal defender program operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel. |
| Location | San Antonio, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 02/12/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 13/01 to JSP 14/01 |
| Salary | $108,001 - $127,624 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://txw.fd.org/about-us/employment |
| Announcement Number | 26-20 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
This is a key leadership position and assists the NITOAD Branch Chief in the management and operations of the national information technology program. The Deputy Branch Chief will ensure NITOAD operations adhere to Judiciary policies and standards, industry best practices, and align with the strategic goals for the Federal Judiciary. The Deputy Branch Chief helps to develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards for IT operations. Additionally, this position will work closely with other NITOAD staff to support federal defender budget and IT acquisition activities. This position is located on-site in San Antonio, TX and requires occasional travel (up to 25%). The Deputy Branch Chief is also responsible for the following tasks:
- Oversee operations and technical support of FDO national IT infrastructure providing core services to entire organization
- Coach and mentor team members to foster a culture of customer service, transparency, and accountability
- Structure, prioritize, and delegate assignments to support branch initiatives
- Evaluate new technologies for use within the organization
- Prepare annual IT plans including spending, cyclical equipment replacement, and training
- Support local FDO offices in recruitment of IT staff including reviewing job postings, reviewing resumes, and assisting with interviews
- Perform ad-hoc assessments of local IT operations upon request from the Federal Defender
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Deputy Branch Chief, a person must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and have at least three years of general experience, and five years of specialized experience preferably in a supervisory role. Some higher education may be substituted for experience. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Must be able to analyze and apply relevant policies and procedures to office operations; exercise good judgment in a mature and diplomatic manner; analyze and recommend practical solutions; communicate effectively at an executive level. Must be able to work independently, take initiative, and multi-task between different roles within a fast-paced office environment. Able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or be eligible to work for the federal government.
This is a public trust position and as a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year background investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter. Employment will be considered provisional pending the successful completion of the initial ten-year background investigation and a favorable suitability determination.
Employee Benefits
The starting salary of the Deputy Branch Chief will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from JSP-13, Step 1, to JSP-14, Step 1, and currently yielding $108,001 to $127,624 per annum. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employee benefits, including health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
Miscellaneous
This is a key leadership position and assists the NITOAD Branch Chief in the management and operations of the national information technology program. The Deputy Branch Chief will ensure NITOAD operations adhere to Judiciary policies and standards, industry best practices, and align with the strategic goals for the Federal Judiciary. The Deputy Branch Chief helps to develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards for IT operations. Additionally, this position will work closely with other NITOAD staff to support federal defender budget and IT acquisition activities. This position is located on-site in San Antonio, TX and requires occasional travel (up to 25%). The Deputy Branch Chief is also responsible for the following tasks:
- Oversee operations and technical support of FDO national IT infrastructure providing core services to entire organization
- Coach and mentor team members to foster a culture of customer service, transparency, and accountability
- Structure, prioritize, and delegate assignments to support branch initiatives
- Evaluate new technologies for use within the organization
- Prepare annual IT plans including spending, cyclical equipment replacement, and training
- Support local FDO offices in recruitment of IT staff including reviewing job postings, reviewing resumes, and assisting with interviews
- Perform ad-hoc assessments of local IT operations upon request from the Federal Defender
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Application Info
Qualified people may apply by sending a letter of interest addressed to Federal Public Defender Maureen Scott Franco (mentioning announcement number 26-20), a résumé, and three professional references. Experience should be described in detail.
Send all required documents in a single PDF document named with applicant’s “last name, first name-Announcement 26-20 Deputy Branch Chief” by email to NITOAD_Admin@fd.org. Electronic submissions sent directly to the Defender will not be considered. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodation, which is decided case by case.
To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact personnel administrator Victoria B. Longoria at 210-981-2081.
Position announced Feb. 12, 2026, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.