Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer

Overview

The Fourth Appellate District Court of Appeal, Division One, located in downtown San Diego, is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer for the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The position reports to the Administrative Presiding Justice.

Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer is a management-level class in the Clerk/Executive Officer series. Incumbents are responsible for assisting a Clerk/Executive Officer in managing personnel and non-judicial programs within organizational and policy confines of an appellate court. This includes managing the day-to-day operations of the Clerk’s Office and assisting with administrative support activities, including human resources, information systems, facility management, and finance operations for the entire court. This class is distinguished from the Clerk/Executive Officer in that the latter functions with full authority and accountability for assigned administrative responsibilities in an appellate court.

The Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer should be a team builder who can motivate employees and sustain a culture that combines high performance with job satisfaction, professionalism, and a common sense of public service. It is essential that the incumbent fosters a respectful environment for employees, as well as users of court services, and exercises best practices for personnel management. A proven track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees and successful performance management. Applicants can expect the court to carefully consider both their education and experience.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only)

• Acts with full authority for the Clerk/Executive Officer in his or her absence.
• Plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; recommends selection of staff and provides for their professional development; recommends discipline as required.
• Participates in developing and/or revising policies and procedures for assigned activities.
• Reviews and responds to correspondence and inquiries regarding court policy
• Participates in developing, administering, and monitoring budget of an appellate court.
• As assigned, assists in or independently handles a variety of administrative support activities for an entire court, including facility and space planning; the procurement of supplies, equipment, and office furniture; providing the full range of human resources support; coordinating information systems activities; and administering a variety of business services support activities.
• May serve as primary coordinator for all building management functions between building owner and State Business Services in non-state-owned facilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Attend meetings outside of normal working hours.
• Work occasionally in the evening and weekend hours.
• Required to travel statewide as necessary.
   

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
    
Equivalent to possession of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in court administration or a related field, and four years of court management experience, including one year of supervisory or lead experience. A law degree may be substituted for two years of experience.
 

How To Apply

To ensure consideration of your application, please apply by 5:00 PM on November 13, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. This position requires the submission of a cover letter, resume, supplemental questions,

To complete an online application please click the “Apply to Job” button.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal 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.
 

Pay and Benefits

$15,471 - $19,137 per month

Please note due to statewide fiscal conditions, the posted salary range is subject to a temporary 3% reduction. In exchange for this temporary reduction, judicial branch employees accrue an additional 5 hours of paid personal leave per month through June 30, 2027.

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
• Public Services Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
   

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 

Supplemental Questions

Supplemental Questions

To better assess the qualifications of each applicant, the Court asks that you respond to the following questions.  Your response should be no more than two pages in length.

1. Describe the qualities you believe are essential to effective leadership and provide an example of how you have demonstrated them.
2. What does public service mean to you, and how have you demonstrated a commitment to public service in your professional experience?
3. Why are you interested in this position, and are there any circumstances or considerations that could affect your ability to accept the position if selected?