Duties

Career Showcase- Deputy Director, Acquisitions & Bibliographic Access (ABA) Directorate

This event will be livestreamed on Zoom on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 1:00 pm (ET).

Join a live, virtual Career Showcase to hear about an exciting career opportunity directly from the Librarian of Congress, the Associate Librarian for Discovery and Preservation and the Director for Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access! Simply log on to the link above on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 1:00 pm (ET) to learn about the Deputy Director, Acquisitions & Bibliographic Access (ABA) Directorate position at The Library of Congress; registration isn't required.

To participate anonymously, simply identify yourself as "Anonymous2023."

A recording of the Career Showcase will be available after May 22 for those who are unable to attend the live session.

The incumbent is Deputy Director, ABA, reporting to and serving as the alter ego to the Director, ABA. The Deputy Director shares full responsibility with the Director for: acquiring materials for the Library in all formats (books, periodicals, maps, music, prints, photographs, recorded sound, videos, etc.) by all methods of acquisition (copyright deposit transfer, purchase, unsolicited gifts, exchange, transfer from other government agencies, and support for solicited gift acquisitions); in all subjects, except technical agriculture and clinical medicine, from all over the world; and, cataloging print and digital textual material in order to make it accessible to the public; effectively communicating and cooperating with LCSG managers, supervisors and staff throughout the service unit and external organizations, incorporating the agency's priorities and values into the Directorate's programs and activities; providing leadership in cataloging policy and professional training for the national and international library communities and managing and overseeing the overall effectiveness of the Directorate.

The incumbent has responsibility for planning and directing programs managed through four ABA divisions, each directed by GS-15 supervisors with base levels of work at GS-13 or higher. Duties include design and implementation of short- and long-range program plans, goals and objectives; program evaluation; and, oversight of organizational changes, policy development and program funding and direction. The incumbent selects or recommends final selection of candidates for vacancies and approves other personnel actions; approves promotions and special commendations; and oversees performance management functions through subordinate supervisors. Resolves complaints and grievances. Effects disciplinary measures and ensures appropriate training and development of staff.

The Deputy Director shares responsibility and delegated authority for oversight and administration of broad, emerging, and critical ABA programs and operations. Manages the Library's acquisitions activities for materials in all formats and subjects (except technical agriculture and clinical medicine) from around the world and has responsibility for the cataloging of various formatted materials.

Manages acquisition of domestic and international materials for the Library and through collaboration with the Copyright Office, the enforcement of compliance provisions of the copyright law and exchange arrangements (gift, deposit, transfer, etc.). Plans and develops cooperative acquisitions programs, both on appropriated and special foreign currencies and through contributions from participating institutions.

As a key member of the management team of ABA, DPS and LCSG, provides expert advice to the Director, ABA and executives of LCSG, and senior management officials in other parts of the Library on various acquisitions and cataloging programs, plans and policies. Counsels senior management staff and officials at multiple levels of the Library; management staff of the Directorate; and, private sector clients and vendors on program matters.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high-level individuals, other legislative and executive agencies, executives of major corporations, and distinguished members of the public. Establishes and maintains close and cooperative working relationships with other service unit managers as well as other government agencies and other institutions with related interests, in order to advance the programs and objectives of the Library.
Communicates with the LCSG management team on the status of different work activities and efforts. Reports regularly on the effectiveness of specific programs.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• See requirements listed below under Qualifications Required.

Your resume is important to this application process. It will be reviewed to determine whether you possess the qualifications referenced above. All applicants are required to submit a resume that provides specific information (to include accomplishments, work experience and education/training) that clearly describes what you would bring to the position.

The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library's vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library's Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: https://www.loc.gov/static/portals/careers/documents/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf

Conditions of Employment

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

The competencies below are required for this position. Those marked with a double asterisk (**) are considered the most critical competencies for this position.

A candidate's resume must show a proven record of accomplishment that clearly demonstrates he or she has:

Ability to manage and lead a large diverse workforce**: The successful candidate has the ability to manage a diverse staff of 50 or more and demonstrated proficiency in the following competencies: Acted decisively while exercising good judgment and communicating information; Encouraged employee participation in making effective, timely decisions; Leveraged diversity and inclusiveness, accepted interpersonal and cultural differences; Demonstrated flexibility by adjusting priorities to meet demands; Fostered continuous improvement of business processes; Coached and promoted ongoing development of staff, including subordinate supervisors; Demonstrated fair and ethical treatment of staff and managed conflicts in a positive manner; Managed performance by communicating expectations, giving timely and constructive feedback, holding staff accountable and taking appropriate corrective action when needed; Demonstrated commitment to providing consistent and high quality customer service; and delegated work, monitored performance and held staff accountable for meeting or exceeding standards.

Ability to lead and manage a program/area of responsibility**: The successful candidate has the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources to accomplish an organization's mission. Accomplished strategic and operational goals for an agency/organization and in doing so had the following responsibilities: 1) developed program performance objectives/targets that support the organization's mission and goals, 2) conducted monthly or quarterly reviews and prepared annual assessments of accomplishments and outcomes/results, 3) advised senior level officials, 4) oversaw day-to-day operations directly and through subordinate supervisors, 5) worked with both internal and national external organizations to achieve program goals, 6) evaluated current and proposed programs and operations and recommended actions to initiate, modify, or discontinue projects, 7) developed and integrated policies and processes for your area of responsibility, and 8) planned, acquired, and organized resources and people.

Ability to communicate in writing and review the writing of others**: The successful candidate has the ability to prepare a variety of clear, cogent, accurate, well-organized, and understandable complex and specialized documents related to the work of the position, such as: 1) funding proposals, 2) policies, 3) program goals and objectives, 4) business plans, 5) budget justifications, 6) research papers, 7) performance management documents/evaluations, and 8) other reports. This includes the ability to target an audience and shape communications so that they are appropriate and specific to technical and administrative activities.

Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of modern librarianship as it relates to acquisitions and bibliographic control access: The successful candidate has the ability to apply professional knowledge of acquisitions and bibliographic control and access for a variety of formats to manage library functions and carry out library programs in a research library or an agency/organization; using this knowledge to create content, organize material, and provide access to print and digital collections. Experience with the following: 1) managed the acquisition of domestic and international materials for a research library or agency/organization; 2) planned and developed cooperative acquisitions programs, both on appropriated and special foreign currencies through contributions from institutions; 3) recommended actions to initiate, modify, or discontinued projects; 4) coordinated cooperative cataloging efforts; 5) managed the maintenance of cataloging databases; 6) worked with information technology professionals to improve automated systems to support cataloging and acquisitions operations; and 7) led operational efforts to reduce arrearage in books and serials.

Ability to lead and inspire change: The successful candidate has the ability to lead and inspire change in developing and implementing agency values, principles, and direction. This includes the ability to think creatively and recognize innovation; promote ideas with enthusiasm, conviction, and assertiveness; resolve contentious situations; solicit and consider others' opinions; gain support and commitment from others; motivate and inspire others; demonstrate flexibility; and promote a culture of change and growth.

Ability to present information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations: The successful candidate has the ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations, in both planned and extemporaneous situations. This included shaping the appropriate amount, form, depth and level of detail, and content of information to the needs of the receiver/audience

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing: The successful candidate has the ability to effectively express ideas and recommendations other than in writing in various settings to peers, staff, managers, supervisors, and external audiences to both provide and seek information. This includes actively listening to or understanding communicated information and answering questions thoughtfully and completely.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

All initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. In addition, all newly appointed Senior Level executives, from outside the Library as well as from within, must serve a one year probationary period in accordance with the Library of Congress Regulations (LCRs) 2017.2-1, Senior Level Executive System.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. All who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

The selected applicant will be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section 8.5, at: Senior Level Merit Selection Plan.