Clerk of Court

Overview of the Position The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee is accepting applications for the full-time position of Clerk of Court. The Office of the Clerk includes a headquarters office in Memphis, Tennessee and one divisional office in Jackson, Tennessee. As the Court Unit Executive of the Clerk’s Office, the incumbent is responsible for managing the operational and administrative duties of the office and ensures its compliance with statutory requirements.

• Consult with the Chief Judge regarding court administration, policy and procedures;
• Foster a culture of cooperation, continuous learning and excellent customer service;
• Support 11 staff and supervise and direct a staff of 28 responsible for accounting, budgeting, case administration, human resources, facilities, procurement, and information technology;
• Promote and maintain the integrity of official records in the custody of the court;
• Maintain and satisfy internal control procedures and external audit requirements;
• Work with members of the Bar, and the public to improve the delivery of court services and processes;
• Hire, assign, and train personnel efficiently and effectively;
• Prepare statistical studies and reports for the court, the 6th Circuit, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and the Judicial Conference of the United States;
• Lead strategic planning for an environment of limited and decreasing resources;
• Analyze and make recommendations on statutes, local rules, and procedures affecting court operations;
• Serve as a liaison to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Federal Judicial Center, other court units, the Office of the U.S. Trustee, the General Services Administration, and various bar associations;
• Manage the Employment Dispute Resolution Plan (EDR);
• Administer and maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan;
• Perform other related duties that the court may require.

This position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in public service or business that provided a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and human aspects in managing an organization. At least three of the 10 years of experience must have been in a position of substantial management responsibility overseeing more than five employees. Such experience should include operational knowledge of the courts, financial management, budget and staffing planning and projections, space and facilities management, human resources management, oversight of information technology, and long- and short-range planning.

A bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing is required. Preference may be given to candidates whose education is in government, public, business, or judicial administration. A master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) or Business Administration (MBA) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school is preferred.

Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of bankruptcy case administration and/or bankruptcy court experience. Knowledge of office automation, including automated case management systems and a working knowledge of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Court’s Local Rules, is preferred.

The successful candidate will have excellent analytical skills, good judgment, and solid problem-solving experience. Proven leadership talent is expected, along with outstanding oral and written expression. The new Clerk must also be able to foster strong, effective working relationships. The court fosters a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, and the Clerk must maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

A generous benefits package is available and includes:

• Paid annual leave (13-26 days, depending on federal service accrued)
• Paid sick leave (13 days)
• Paid holidays (11 days)
• Retirement benefits (e.g., immediate matching contributions in the Thrift Savings Plan)
• Optional participation in Federal Employees’ Health Benefits, supplemental Dental and Vision Insurance, and Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance

To be considered for this position, please submit the complete application packet as outlined.

• Three professional references. The applicant consents to those references being contacted by the court.
• A complete AO78 Judicial Application for Employment
• Clerk of Court Application Questionnaire – the questionnaire is available b.uscourts.gov , Job Opportunities, Clerk of Court Application Questionnaire.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.