IT Director

The U.S. Probation Office for the Middle District of North Carolina serves the federal district court with approximately 67 employees across multiple locations. We are seeking a forward-thinking, highly skilled IT Director to provide both strategic leadership and hands-on technical expertise across all aspects of information technology operations.

Duties

• Foster a collaborative, learning-oriented environment that encourages professional growth, innovation, and accountability.
• Lead by example with strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Evaluate current and future technology and security needs: develop and implement short- and long-term IT improvement plans, including the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery, including exploration and implementation of AI tools.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and make recommendations for technology investments and system enhancements.
• Oversee IT architecture, including servers, virtualization platforms, operating systems, telecommunications, and networks.
• Implement, maintain, and monitor IT security policies and tools to protect systems and data, including inventory management, patch management, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, perimeter security, intrusion prevention/detection, and event correlation.
• Coordinate and support annual IT security training and compliance with national and circuit-level security requirements.
• Work closely with the 4th Circuit IT Security team to implement required protocols.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership, troubleshooting, and operational support for systems, networks, and applications.
• Design, test, configure, deploy, and maintain new or enhanced systems, updates, and applications.
• Develop, test, and deploy scripts, group policies, and system customizations as needed.
• Manage patching, backups, monitoring, and lifecycle maintenance of servers, desktops, mobile, and remote devices.
• Support and maintain court-specific applications, including PACTS, and perform necessary maintenance and upgrades.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and deliver presentations, trainings, and technical briefings.
• Collaborate with managers, other court units, and vendors to assess needs, recommend solutions, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Create and maintain clear, well-organized technical documentation and procedures.

Salary

• $99,611 - $161,910/year

Conditions of Employment

• Minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
• The successful candidate is hired provisionally, pending the results of an FBI fingerprint and criminal background check and favorable employment suitability determination.
• Employees must adhere to the Code of Conduct of Judicial Employees. Excepted service appointments are AT WILL and can be terminated with or without cause by the court.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating strong leadership, management principles, and employee relations expertise.
• A minimum of two years of experience supervising staff.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop employees.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
• Superior customer service orientation and sound judgment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, adaptability, and professionalism.
• Availability for occasional day and/or overnight travel and flexible work hours, including nights and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Strong technical expertise in many of the following areas:
• Microsoft Windows Server (2012+), Windows 10/11, Active Directory administration
• Microsoft 365 (Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Office)
• Virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, HyperV)
• Network and VoIP technologies (Cisco switches, wireless, and VoIP)
• Log management and monitoring (e.g., Splunk)
• Patch management and inventory tools (e.g., Quest KACE, Qualys Patch)
• Vulnerability scanning and endpoint security tools (e.g., Nessus/Qualys)
• Working knowledge of programming and scripting languages such as C#.

Education Minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent. Other Information The United States District Court reserves the right to amend the conditions of this job vacancy announcement, or to withdraw the announcement at any time without prior written or other notice. Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References
• Judicial Branch Federal Employment Application (AO78)
• Academic transcripts and/or proof of certifications

How to Apply

Applicants must submit ONE PDF document containing the following to HR@ncmp.uscourts.gov
(Include Last Name-First Name- #25-08 in Subject of Email)

1. Cover Letter (not to exceed two pages) addressing the following:
   • An explanation of how your skills and experience may contribute to our organization;
   • How your experience and preparation relate to the duties and responsibilities of this position;
2. Resume
3. Three professional references with contact information
4. Application for Federal Judicial Employment found at: https://www.ncmp.uscourts.gov/employees

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as interviews may begin before the application deadline. Early submission ensures that your application is considered as soon as possible.

Benefits Pay is only part of the generous total compensation package you will receive while working for the federal Judiciary. We offer employees a diverse group of benefit programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family. Federal Employees Retirement System Thrift Savings Plan Commuter Benefit Program/Metro Transit Subsidy Program Flexible Spending Accounts Insurance available for health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care.