Job Description

To apply for this job, you must submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) the AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment form (see details below).

This position is located in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA or Harrisburg, PA

Position Summary

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly skilled and forward‑thinking Director of Information Technology to lead the Court’s technology strategy, operations, cybersecurity, and modernization efforts. This is a succession‑based leadership role: the selected candidate will work alongside the current IT Department Head until his planned retirement in December 2026, then assume full responsibility for the IT Department.

The Director oversees all district‑wide IT functions, supervises IT staff, and plays a central role in the Court’s adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies. The position requires strong technical expertise—including programming skills—as well as proven leadership, communication, and project management abilities. The position may also serve as the Court’s Contracting Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic leadership and long‑term planning for all IT functions across multiple divisional offices.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop IT staff; set priorities, assign work, and evaluate performance.
• Serve as the Court’s principal advisor on emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and modernization opportunities.
• Collaborate with judges, the Clerk of Court, senior management, and national judiciary partners to align technology initiatives with operational needs.

Technology Operations & IT Security

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and security of mission‑critical systems, including CM/ECF, courtroom technology, VOIP, virtual hearing platforms, and internal applications.
• Ensure compliance with judiciary IT policies, security protocols, audit requirements, and national standards.
• Manage disaster recovery planning, continuity of operations (COOP), and incident response.
• Maintain and enhance networks, desktops, laptops, servers, courtroom A/V systems, virtualization platforms, and telecommunications systems.

AI, Automation & Innovation

• Lead evaluation and implementation of AI‑driven tools to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
• Identify automation opportunities in document analysis, data extraction, scheduling, and knowledge management.
• Ensure all AI use complies with judiciary guidance, privacy protections, and ethical standards.

Programming & Technical Development

• Use programming skills to support local application development, automation scripts, data integration, and system customization.
• Evaluate and adapt national systems to meet local needs.
• Maintain documentation, code repositories, and technical standards for locally developed solutions.

Budgeting, Procurement & Contracting

• Develop and manage the IT budget, lifecycle planning, and procurement of hardware, software, and services.
• Serve as the Court’s Contracting Officer (if designated), ensuring compliance with judiciary procurement rules and managing vendor relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, management, or a related field.
• At least six years of progressively responsible IT experience, including three years in a supervisory or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in network administration, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, IT security auditing, and IT project management.
• Programming experience in one or more languages (Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, SQL, or similar) and familiarity with REST APIs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with judges, executives, and staff at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a federal court, government agency, or similarly regulated environment.
• Familiarity with CM/ECF, courtroom technology, and judiciary IT policies.
• Background in AI, machine learning, or automation tools.
• Experience managing budgets, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Certifications such as CISSP, PMP, ITIL, or equivalent.
• Technical experience with:
• Windows Server 2022+, Windows 11, Active Directory (including Group Policy)
• Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Drupal
• VMware virtualization
• Cisco switches and wireless access points
• Qualys security tools
• Ivanti Neurons
• Experience with judiciary‑specific applications (CM/ECF, HRMIS, JIFMS, JFinSys, JICS).
• Proficiency in digital audio recording and evidence‑presentation applications.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who balances innovation with security, compliance, and practicality. A proactive leader who anticipates technological needs, communicates effectively with non‑technical stakeholders, and guides the Court through modernization while maintaining operational stability.

Conditions of Employment

• Employment is under an Excepted Service appointment and is considered at‑will.
• Must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the United States is required.
• A high‑sensitivity background investigation is required.
• Mandatory electronic funds transfer for payroll.

Employee Benefits

Court employees receive federal employee benefits, including:

• Paid vacation and sick leave (based on length of service)
• 11 paid federal holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with generous government contribution
• Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching
• Long‑term care insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Telework and flexible schedules may be available with approval

More information: uscourts.gov/careers/benefits

Application Process

Submit ONE PDF containing:

• Cover letter describing relevant experience, leadership approach, and interest in the position
• Résumé detailing education, work history, programming experience, and accomplishments
• Contact information for three professional references
• Completed AO‑78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment

Email materials to jobs@pamb.uscourts.gov with #26‑02 in the subject line.

Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews. The Court may amend or withdraw this announcement at any time.

The United States Bankruptcy Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,141.00 - $166,846.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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