Core Infrastructure Services Principal Manager I

Overview

The Information Technology office is accepting applications for a Principal Manager I position in the Infrastructure Services Operations unit.

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO), the Principal Manager serves as a senior technology leader providing strategic oversight and operational management of the Judicial Council’s core IT services. The role ensures alignment of enterprise technology initiatives with Judicial Branch objectives, maintaining the reliability, security, and scalability of both on-premise data center operations and Cloud Data Center/Next Generation Hosting environments. Operating with broad direction, the Principal Manager defines strategy, drives execution, and ensures programs are delivered efficiently and in accordance with established standards and best practices. The position also leads the design and delivery of key programs, overseeing infrastructure, network, infrastructure security, remote video services, and operational budgets while managing cross-functional teams and vendor partnerships to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:
•    Provide strategic and operational oversight of enterprise infrastructure, including on-premises Data Center and Cloud Data Center/Next-Generation Hosting environments.
•    Lead and manage core IT service areas, including:
o    Data network and server support for the Judicial Council, Supreme Court, and District Courts of Appeal
o    Desktop and IT Help Desk services for the Judicial Council
o    Tier 2 desktop and server support for appellate courts
o    Judicial Branch Networking Solution (LAN/WAN) program implementation and ongoing support
o    Network operations
o    IT operations and data center consulting and cloud services
o    Branchwide infrastructure professional services for the trial courts of California
•    Partners with security operations to ensure security governance, compliance, and safeguard the organization from cybersecurity threats.
•    Establish and enforce IT standards, governance, and best practices to ensure consistency, security, and compliance across the organization.
•    Serve as a key relationship manager, coordinating across judicial entities, executive leadership, and external partners to ensure services are delivered in a timely, cost-effective, and efficient manner.
•    Provide leadership, direction, and performance management for assigned teams and programs, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
•    Support enterprise decision-making by translating strategic goals into actionable technology initiatives and measurable outcomes.

Requirements (Summary Level)
•    Extensive experience in IT leadership, including oversight of enterprise infrastructure, networking, security, and data center/cloud environments.
•    Demonstrated ability to develop and execute technology strategy aligned with organizational goals.
•    Strong organizational and program management skills, with experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams.
•    Proven ability to operate with broad direction, exercising independent judgment in high-impact decision-making.
•    Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with executive leadership and diverse stakeholders.

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 and includes 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, student loan forgiveness as part of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and retirement savings plans. In San Francisco, the office is only a 7-minute walk from the downtown Civic Center BART station.

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 at least two days per week, based on their office leader’s direction, and reside in the areas surrounding this location. To be eligible for Judicial Council employment and participation in the Judicial Council’s Hybrid Work Program, a prospective or current employee’s primary residence/remote work location must be in the State of California and within a 150-mile driving radius of their assigned reporting location.

Responsibilities

•    Manages the Service Desk, Data Center, and Network Operations budget.
•    Attend various meetings.
•    Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the business unit. Review and ensure policies and procedures are aligned with the JCIT and JCC goals and objectives.
•    Manage and administer the Judicial Branch next generation hosting, disaster recovery solutions, and remote video program.
•    Direct staff through managers or supervisors and assess their work performance. 
•    Manage Judicial Branch Technical Solutions/Services contracted hosting vendor to ensure quality services to the hosted programs, courts and third-party service providers.
•    Supervisory Duties.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and six (6) 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 three (3) 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.

Other Information

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

How To Apply

This position requires the submission of our official application, responses to the supplemental questions, and a resume. To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by 5PM on May 15, 2026.

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. 
 

Pay and Benefits

$10,475 - $15,713 per month

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

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)
•    Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Judicial Council of California Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.