Circuit Executive

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
St. Louis, MO

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Job Details

Up to $236,699 a year
2 days ago

Benefits

Paid holidays
Health insurance
Life insurance

Qualifications

Writing skills
Bachelor's degree

Full Job Description

Job Details for Circuit Executive

Court Name/Organization

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Overview of the Position

The Judicial Council of the Eighth Circuit is seeking a highly qualified, dynamic leader to serve as the Circuit Executive. Established pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 332(e), the Circuit Executive exercises administrative powers and performs duties delegated by the judicial council under the supervision of the chief circuit judge. The Office of the Circuit Executive provides comprehensive operational, administrative, and legal support to the chief circuit judge and the judicial council, ensuring the efficient management of all federal courts within the circuit. This position requires significant travel.

Location

St. Louis, MO

Opening and Closing Dates

07/21/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type

Permanent

Salary

Not specified

Position Description

Representative Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the general direction of the chief circuit judge, facilitates administrative, technical, and program operations for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the judicial council of the circuit
Provides full legal and staff support to all activities of the judicial council and its committees
Conducts studies relating to the business of the courts within the circuit, and prepares findings for the judicial council, the chief circuit judge, and others
Manages internal budget formulation, federal procurement initiatives, allotment of funds to appropriated accounts, and non-appropriated funds
Coordinates the circuit-wide space and facilities program, including accommodations, architectural services, space planning, and interior design, working closely with the General Services Administration
Directs the information technology program and resources of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and provides circuit-wide staff support for the courts’ information technology networks
Exercises administrative control over human resources systems, training programs, and the circuit's Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) plan
Analyzes, interprets and implements circuit-wide court policies, statutory requirements, guidelines and policies of the Judicial Conference of the United States and Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and orders of the judicial council
Serves as a primary liaison for the Eighth Circuit to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Federal Judicial Center, leadership in other circuits, state courts, bar associations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the news media
Coordinates circuit events, judicial conferences, and multi-district initiatives
Coordinates administrative processes for the selection and reappointment of bankruptcy judges and federal public defenders
Provides leadership, management, and oversight of the staff of the Circuit Executive’s Office

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree is required. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is preferred; however, a post-graduate degree in business, public or judicial administration, combined with substantial court administration experience, may be substituted
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience, including at least five years of substantial leadership and management experience (preferably in public service, private business, or court administration) is required
Exceptional analytical capabilities, written communication, and public presentation skills are required
Proven experience developing and executing strategic plans and leading organizational change is preferred
Substantial experience with large-scale resource management and budget execution is preferred
Familiarity with the Guide to Judiciary Policy is preferred

Employee Benefits

Federal judiciary employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and life insurance, paid annual and sick leave, eleven paid federal holidays, and a premier retirement plan (FERS pension and TSP with employer matching). For detailed information on the federal judiciary’s benefits, please visit the U.S. Courts Careers Benefits page at

Miscellaneous

Conditions of Employment
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or eligible for federal employment. This position is in the excepted service, and employment is “at will.” The Circuit Executive serves at the pleasure of the judicial council of the circuit. Employment is subject to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and direct deposit (EFT) requirements. The Circuit Executive is a High-Sensitive Position in the judiciary, and an appointment is contingent on a favorable suitability determination after completion of fingerprinting and a comprehensive background investigation. The judicial council may, in its discretion, approve an appointment provisionally, pending results from the appropriate background investigation.

Application Info

Submit a single PDF containing :

Cover letter

Resume highlighting your education and employment history

Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment Form AO-78

Writing sample (maximum 5 pages) such as a policy memo, proposal, or strategic plan

Three professional references, including at least one supervisor

Please email your application packet to [email protected] with the subject line: Vacancy Announcement: Circuit Executive - [Your Last Name].

Salary: Up to $236,699 annually; dependent upon qualifications

Closing Date: Open until filled; only applications received by Sept. 11, 2026, are assured of consideration

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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Job Details for Circuit Executive

Position Description

Qualifications

Employee Benefits

Miscellaneous

Application Info

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