Deputy Director (Principal Manager II)

The Judicial Council of California is accepting applications for the position of Principal Manager II for the Leadership Support Services office.

The Principal Manager II will act as the Deputy Director of Leadership Support Services and reports to the Director of Leadership Support Services. This role is responsible for managing complex programs in support of the Judicial Council, the courts, and other justice partners. The Deputy Director must exercise independent judgement to ensure alignment with organizational goals, promote operational excellence, and foster cross-functional collaboration across Judicial Council offices. The Deputy Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple service units within the Leadership Support Services (LSS) division: Appellate Court Appointed Counsel Programs; Temporary Assigned Judges Program; Appellate Court Services; Conference and Print Production; Judicial Council and Trial Court Leadership; Project Management Office; Language Access Implementation; Court Interpreters Program.

The Judicial Council

The Judicial Council of California is the policy setting body for the state court system and has constitutionally conferred statewide rule-making authority. This authority includes developing, advocating for, and allocating the judicial branch budget. A majority of Council members are California state justices and judges; however, the Council also includes lawyers, legislators, and court administrators.

By enhancing its role as a leadership, knowledge, and service resource for the judicial branch, the Judicial Council’s staff organization seeks to continue to evolve as one of California’s most dynamic public service entities, focused on improving access to justice for all Californians by innovating and responding to the changing needs of the courts and the public. As a government body charged with improving the statewide administration of justice, the Judicial Council has multiple offices with diverse responsibilities relating to court policy and operations. As employees of the council, every member of staff should view and approach their work as one Judicial Council with a public service mission that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Judicial Council strives for work-life balance, including substantial vacation and holiday time. In addition, we offer an excellent benefits package, including pension, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending, up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs, and retirement savings plans. In San Francisco, the office is only a 7-minute walk from the Civic Center BART station. In Sacramento, the office is minutes from downtown, just north of Discovery Park.

The Judicial Council offers hybrid work arrangements for many positions. The successful candidate will be expected to work in person at the Judicial Council’s San Francisco or Sacramento office at least two days per week, based on their office leader’s direction, and reside in the areas surrounding these locations. Beginning January 2025, employees will work in the office at least two days per week.

• Manage the operations of multiple units in the Leadership Support Services Office: Judicial Council and Trial Court Leadership, Conference and Print Production, Temporary Assigned Judges Program, Court Appointed Counsel Program, Appellate Court Services, Language Access Implementation, Court Interpreters Program, Project Management Office.
• Implement office goals and priorities ensuring appropriate management and direction.
• Represent the Judicial Council with courts, government agencies, and justice partners.
• Attend meetings of the various advisory bodies staffed by Leadership Support Services.
• Recommends selection of staff.
• Trains staff and proposes internal and external training courses and workshops.
• Provides for career development and planning for staff.
• Approves time off requests.
• Reviews and approves time sheets.
• Evaluates employee performance and conducts performance reviews; and
• Administers discipline as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree, and seven (7) years of professional analytical or managerial experience in assigned function, including, but not limited to, program analysis, development, implementation, research, and advising, including at least three (3) years of supervisory/management experience. An additional four (4) years of professional experience as noted above may substitute for the bachelor’s degree. Or, additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

OR

Master’s degree in a directly related field for the assigned discipline and four (4) years of professional-level analytical or managerial experience in assigned function, including, but not limited to, program analysis, development, implementation, research, and advising, including at least three (3) years of supervisory/management experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading and directing multi-disciplinary teams; while promoting a professional, fair, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Ability to set priorities, produce high quality work product under pressure, and respond with flexibility to changing program demands.
• Ability to interact successfully with advisory bodies, judges, court and agency staff, state-level officials and staff, justice system partners, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and integrity while representing the Judicial Council and judicial branch.
• Management experience in a high volume, dynamic environment, including goal setting; employee development; program development, implementation, and evaluation; supervision of employees; and problem-solving and conflict resolution methods and techniques.

Skill In

• Navigating politically sensitive environments and balancing competing interests while maintaining productive relationships
• Building strategic partnerships
• Managing personnel, budgets, operations, and multiple internal and external initiatives
• Maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, customers, and the public

Please note: If you are selected for hire, verification of employment eligibility or authorization to work in the United States will be required.

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, December 5, 2025. This position requires the submission of our official application, a resume and a response to the supplemental questions.

To complete the online application, please click the Apply for Job button.

The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is available by dialing 711. Once connected, provide the relay operator with the number for Human Resources: 415-865-4260

To better assess the qualifications of each applicant, we will review your responses to the following question. (You may consider submitting a separate document due to character limitations.)

1. What interests you in this position and what specific skills, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to this role?
2. Describe your leadership style and how your style has contributed to the success of an organization.
3. Describe a time you had to adapt your leadership style to manage a diverse team

$11,866 - $17,798 per month

Some highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Pretax Parking
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

The Judicial Council of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.