Job Details for Chief, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program
| Court Name/Organization | New York Southern District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York is seeking a highly qualified and experienced professional to serve as Chief, ADR Program within the Clerk’s Office. The Chief, ADR Program is responsible for the development, administration, and oversight of the Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program, supporting the Court’s mission to provide fair, efficient, and timely resolution of civil disputes. This position works closely with judges, court staff, attorneys, and external stakeholders to promote effective, efficient resolution of cases primarily through mediation. The Chief, ADR Program reports to the Chief Deputy Clerk of Court. |
| Location | New York, NY |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 04/24/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 29 |
| Salary | $100,335 - $163,075 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://nysd.uscourts.gov/about/employment |
| Announcement Number | 26-16 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and manage the Court's ADR programs (e.g., mediation)
- Recruit, train, and oversee the panel of volunteer mediators
- Develop policies, procedures, and best practices for ADR operations
- Coordinate case referrals to ADR and monitor program effectiveness
- Provide training and outreach to mediators, judges, attorneys, and the public
- Maintain program data, prepare reports, and evaluate outcomes
- Ensure compliance with Judiciary policies, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines
- Collaborate with Clerk’s Office and chambers on case management and ADR integration
- Ad-hoc or as-needed mediation of disputes, depending on skills and workload
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred, e.g., JD, MPA, or related field)
- Significant experience in ADR, mediation, conflict resolution, or court administration
- Strong knowledge of federal court procedures and case management
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
General Experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Mediation training
- Experience working within the federal judiciary or in legal environments
- Supervisory or program management experience
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Court Operations:
- Knowledge of judiciary culture and philosophy
- Ability to prioritize and manage personal caseloads consistent with the needs of the court
Information Technology and Automation:
- Skilled in the use of digital tools, including legal research systems, word processing, spreadsheet, databases, and case management applications, and various other types of software. Skilled in the use of audiovisual technology.
Judgment and Ethics:
- Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
Written and Oral Communication:
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to listen and quickly understand and assess information, ideas, and interpersonal dynamics. Ability to relate effectively to a broad array of people including people with different temperaments, occupations, and cultures.
Specialized Experience
Progressively responsible experience in at least one but preferably two or more ADR disciplines, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, or equivalent experience.
Employee Benefits
- Paid Annual & Sick Leave
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Employer subsidized Health Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Supplemental Vision/Dental Insurance
- Retirement Benefits Plan (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Transit Subsidy Program (pursuant to eligibility requirements)
- Pre-tax benefit programs
- On-site fitness center
- Employee assistance Program (EAP)
- Mandatory enrollment in electronic funds transfer (EFT) for net pay
Miscellaneous
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and manage the Court's ADR programs (e.g., mediation)
- Recruit, train, and oversee the panel of volunteer mediators
- Develop policies, procedures, and best practices for ADR operations
- Coordinate case referrals to ADR and monitor program effectiveness
- Provide training and outreach to mediators, judges, attorneys, and the public
- Maintain program data, prepare reports, and evaluate outcomes
- Ensure compliance with Judiciary policies, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines
- Collaborate with Clerk’s Office and chambers on case management and ADR integration
- Ad-hoc or as-needed mediation of disputes, depending on skills and workload
Application Info
To be considered for this position, please submit your:
- Resume detailing your education and work experience
- Cover letter. The cover letter must indicate the position for which you are applying, including the vacancy number, and identify how your education and/or experience relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
- AO78 Application for Federal Employment
Only applications submitted via email will be accepted. It is preferred for the applications to be submitted in a single PDF document, and for candidates to include the vacancy number and position title in the subject field of the email containing the application. Applications submitted as zip files, cloud files and/or links will not be accepted. Applications that do not conform to the above procedures will not be considered. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates will participate in two rounds of interviews.
Please submit your application to: Careers@nysd.uscourts.gov
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.