Director of Information Technology

United States Courts; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Courts in Chicago is seeking a Director of Information Technology to lead the Clerk’s Office IT department. You will oversee automated systems, coordinate IT services across court operations, and drive modernization, security, and disaster recovery initiatives.

The role requires strong leadership, project management, and communication skills, with responsibility for budgeting, procurement, and staff development in a fast-paced judiciary environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, project management, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience managing IT budgets and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of security, COOP, and IT governance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and mentor the IT department and supervisory staff.
• Plan and manage short- and long-term IT automation and modernization projects.
• Ensure compliance with policies, guidelines, and internal controls.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Staff mentoring

Tools

Linux/UNIX systems

Windows systems

Job description

Job Details for Director of Information Technology

Court Name/Organization Illinois Northern Bankruptcy Court

Overview of the Position This full-time position is in the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois and reports to the Clerk of Court. The Director of Information Technology is responsible for managing and overseeing automated systems within the court, including the operation, coordination, and integration of all Judiciary and local applications. The incumbent is responsible for managing the Information Technology Department and primarily directs supervisors and oversees the coordination, training and integration of office automation equipment, telecommunications, and courtroom technology. The Director of Information Technology is a forward-thinker who explores development opportunities regularly to expand and enhance IT staff skill sets, keeping the department on the cutting edge of new and improved technologies. The court’s applications are housed on a variety of LINUX/UNIX systems and Windows systems, both physical and virtual. The Director of Information Technology ensures compliance with the appropriate guidelines, policies, and approved internal controls. The incumbent must possess excellent leadership, project management, analytical, and communication skills; successfully direct the planning, acquisition, and deployment of all automation systems; and coordinate and oversee operations and delivery of IT services. A successful incumbent will be an innovative leader who values the development of employees, proactively improves processes, and leverages emerging technologies—including responsible and ethical use of AI—to enhance efficiency, security, and service delivery. Travel to the divisional office will be required as needed.

• Manage, develop, and mentor supervisory staff and other professionals involved in information technology activities, including establishing standards, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, and handling disciplinary actions. Oversee the daily operation of the department to include analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, and setting deadlines. Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings and communicate operational status and relevant information to staff. Perform quality checks and approve the efficiency and effectiveness of all systems and programs prior to implementation.
• Evaluate the organization’s technological use and needs. Develop and implement both short-term and long-range automation improvement plans which include consideration of the court’s needs, objectives, and capabilities, including anticipation of future requirements and problems. Formulate, recommend, implement, and enforce appropriate policies, procedures, and standards, and regularly review and update as needed. Develop solutions to problems and procedures for accomplishing objectives.
• Manage courtroom technology and telecommunications capabilities. Maintain oversight of the quality of web development and management to ensure user needs are consistently met. Manage remote and mobile information systems. Maintain oversight of court’s automation equipment and property inventory.
• Develop specific system features to satisfy unique court needs. Make adaptations to national systems and/or participate in the planning for and the acquisition of specific systems for the court unit. Develop cost-benefit analyses for various information technology projects. Meet established deadlines and commitments.
• Ensure the effectiveness of security systems for hardware, software, networks, data, physical property, and equipment. Manage the information technology Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and ensure annual testing and plan updates.
• Plan, manage, and control information technology budgets, expenditures, and property and equipment procurement activities in consultation with senior management.
• Meet regularly with managers, judges, court unit executive, other court units, and vendors to determine information technology needs, recommend viable solutions, and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Establish and ensure effective training in system use and capabilities. Remain current regarding emerging technologies and how they interface with systems.
• Comply with the Guide to Judiciary Policy, the Human Resources Manual, applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures, and internal controls guidelines. Comply with procurement procedures, policies, and guidelines. Comply with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Always demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment. Display a careful and deliberate approach in handling confidential information in a variety of contexts.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to explain complex concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with the public and staff, providing customer service and resolving difficulties efficiently while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.