Summary

The Supervisory Probation Administrator (National Program Development Division Chief) serves in the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Department of Program Services, Probation and Pretrial Services Office (PPSO). This leadership position reports to PPSO's Deputy Chief.

This position is designated as a secondary law enforcement position and is eligible for law enforcement officer (LEO) retirement coverage. Non-LEOs are eligible to apply for this position.

Duties

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The Administrative Office (AO) of the U.S. Courts seeks a highly-skilled and innovative Supervisory Probation Administrator to serve as the National Program Development Division Chief. The National Program Development Division Chief position is located within the AO's Department of Program Services, Probation and Pretrial Service Office (PPSO). This position reports to PPSO's Deputy Chief.

The National Program Development Division Chief provides leadership and oversight of key projects, and the IT Business Support, Data, and Program Development Branches.

Specialized duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Leading the Data Branch Chief whose staff collects, analyzes, and publishes national-level statistical and operational information concerning probation officers and provides analytical and project support to multiple PPSO initiatives.
2. Leading the IT Business Support Branch Chief whose staff liaises with AO staff in the development, enhancement, and implementation of IT systems supporting probation and pretrial services operations nationwide.
3. Leading the Program Development Branch Chief whose staff provides policy and procedure guidance and operational support for post-conviction supervision, while promoting evidence-based practices and implementation science use to advance innovations to strengthen intermediate and long-term supervision outcomes.
4. Interpreting statutory and mandated responsibilities of national programs by prescribing required record forms and statistical reporting for probation officers, and formulating rules, goals, objectives, and timelines to ensure compliance with PPSO requirements.
5. Providing strategic oversight of mid- and long-range national program plans and major projects to ensure compliance with mandated requirements, alignment with cost-containment measures, and efficient administration of the federal probation system, including oversight of project scope, quality, timelines, and resource constraints.
6. Managing strategic communications and synchronizing system-wide responses and actions related to evidence-based practices across the federal probation and pretrial services system.
7. Serving as consultant and advisor to the PPSO Chief and Deputy Chief and to senior leadership by providing strategic direction, expert advice, and support to ensure the program effectively meets national-level requirements, including guidance on the latest evidence-based approaches to community supervision.
8. Representing PPSO on high-visibility initiatives and developing and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders and interested parties to advance program goals and strengthen collaboration.
9. Providing information and advice for the Judicial Conference Committee on Criminal Law and court and AO executives in response to the Committee on Criminal Law's directive to monitor and report on system outcomes.

Generalized duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Managing all aspects of staff supervision, including assigning and reviewing work, and completing a full range of personnel actions, such as tracking time and attendance, training and professional development, conducting performance appraisals, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
2. Providing fiscal oversight for division expenditures, including the development, justification, and execution of the division's budget.
3. Fulfilling the AO Director's statutory responsibility to bring about improvements in the probation and pretrial services system.
4. Providing the program support needed for the development and on-going success of technological systems supporting the Probation and Pretrial Services program.
5. Conducting comprehensive research and trend analysis to provide data-driven recommendations for the enhancement of national programs such as adult education and strategic curriculum design.

Requirements

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Qualifications

Applicants must have demonstrated experience as listed below. This requirement is according to the AO Classification, Compensation, and Recruitment Systems which include interpretive guidance and reference to the OPM Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions.

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of this position. Specialized experience is one full year (52 weeks) of experience in each of the following:

1. Managing and executing strategic projects of broad or national importance related to law, courts, or federal probation and pretrial services.
2. Managing and executing the development and presentation (orally and written) of program statistics, measures, and staffing formulas.

Preferred Qualifications include each of the following:

1. At least five years of management experience, with at least three years serving in a senior or executive leadership role.
2. Experience using advanced statistical techniques to analyze and provide probation or pretrial services policy and procedure recommendations.
3. Experience advancing AI strategy and integrating advanced analytics, machine learning, or automation technologies (e.g. autonomous agentic agents) into organizational operations, including experience establishing governance frameworks, ethical use standards, and cross-functional adoption plans that improve performance, decision making, outcomes, and service delivery.

Education

The basic qualifications can be met in one of three ways:

1. A bachelor's degree in behavioral or social science or a related discipline.
2. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates knowledge, competencies, and skills in behavioral or social science or a related discipline equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the field.
3. Four years of experience that demonstrates knowledge, competencies, and skills in behavioral or social science or a related discipline equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the field.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.