Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Communications, Office of Communications and External Relations, Office of the Librarian.

The position description number for this position is 012153.

This position has no promotion potential.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The Director of Communications has overall responsibility for the Office of Communications. The Director of Communications works directly with the Chief Communications Officer to advise the Librarian of Congress, the Principal Deputy Librarian of Congress, and other top Library officials on all communications-related planning and execution. The Director is the primary spokesperson for the Library of Congress to the national, international and local media.

Has overall responsibility, as well as delegated authority, for the oversight and administration of an entire department or a highly complex program within the department or agency. Primarily responsible for the direction and management of large-scale operations to efficiently achieve specified goals and objectives. Evaluates current and proposed programs and operations and recommends action to initiate, modify, or discontinue projects as appropriate. Receives administrative direction in terms of the broadly defined missions and functions of the agency. Interviews and recommends candidates for vacancies, evaluates staff, handles grievances and disciplinary actions, recommends promotions and special commendations, and implements or recommends training programs as appropriate. Promotes the spirit and practice of diversity and/or Equal Employment Opportunity programs, ensuring that the commitment to equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, and national origin is carried forward in all aspects of personnel management. Enforces Library's policies on the use of the Library's name, logos and seal. Undertakes a variety of other public liaison duties and assignments.

Serves as the principal public affairs and information officer overseeing extensive and highly complex internal and external communications programs and strategies of the Library of Congress. Has overall responsibility, as well as full delegated authority, for the highly complex operations and functions of the Office of Communications. Serves under the general supervision of the Chief Communications Officer and works with the Librarian of Congress and other top officials in performing the duties of press secretary and in the planning and execution of major communications efforts being pursued by the Library. Works within sparsely defined parameters of complex and highly sensitive work assignments. Serves as a communications advisor on all activities directed by the Library to external audiences. Serves as the primary spokesperson for the Librarian of Congress, Principal Deputy Librarian of Congress, and all department heads to the national, international, and local media. Is responsible for making full and effective use of the mass media in carrying out the Library's program of public information. Has overall responsibility for the review and approval of all print and electronic publications concerning Library operations, activities and policies. Oversees the development, coordination and dissemination of audiovisual, print, electronic and web-based materials in support of the Library's public information programs. Directs and coordinates all aspects of communications from all Library service units and reviews communications between the service units and the media. Deals directly with top editors of major national and international media (TV, radio, Internet and print) on sensitive matters relating to the Library of Congress, and determines appropriate interviews with the Librarian and the others, providing authoritative information.

Serves as the primary communications advisor to the Librarian of Congress, Chief Communications Officer, and top Library officials on various programs and activities. Counsels the Librarian and other top Library officials on internal and external communications programs and strategies. Advises on the appropriate methods and techniques to use in order to achieve the Library's program goals and objectives.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high-level individuals, including legislative and executive agencies, executives of major corporations, and certain members of the public. Establishes and maintains close and cooperative working relationships with other agency or department management and officials. Communicates with the management team on the status of different work activities and efforts.

Reports regularly on the effectiveness of specific programs. Actively participates in groups and committees as the representative of the agency in dealing with matters which extend well beyond the assigned program responsibility.

Formulates and administers policies affecting the mission of the agency. Develops, evaluates and implements communications policy for Library-wide programs and projects. Explores and develops long range communications plans, as well as short-term communications strategies.

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
00

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: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/uploads/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf .

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 develop and manage a national communications strategy for a major cultural institution**: The successful candidate has developed and managed communications strategies including identification of needs, requirements, and opportunities for publicizing programs and policies. Produced comprehensive materials to promote programs and services of an agency, office, or organization. Implemented a social media strategy as an integral part of a larger communications plan.

Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce**: The successful candidate has supervised a diverse workforce. Demonstrated proficiency in the following competencies: Planned or adjusted work by identifying requirements, staff, time and resources to accomplish goals; Solved problems by anticipating, diagnosing, and analyzing facts to reach a conclusion; Enforced performance standards by communicating expectations, monitoring productivity and holding staff accountable; Ensured quality control by monitoring the integrity of work performed; Exhibited fair treatment of others by being aware of, responding to, and considering the needs and capabilities of staff and handling issues with tact; Demonstrated respect for differing opinions by exercising objectivity and consideration for others ideas; Implemented improvement of current business processes and work quality through innovation and continuous development; Motivated and provided direction with constructive feedback and coaching; and Created a work environment that fosters creativity and integrity.

Ability to network and build coalitions for outreach efforts: The successful candidate has identified, built, and maintained professional networks and coalitions in order to develop and implement an agency, office, or organization's mission. This included gaining support and commitment from key stakeholders and developing consensus among individuals and groups with conflicting goals and interests.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and review and assess the writing of others: The successful candidate has written, reviewed, and oversaw production of a variety of clear, cogent, accurate, and well-organized products. Examples include: 1) briefing papers; 2) important speeches; 3) memoranda; 4) website content; 5) senior level presentations; 6) published articles for periodicals or online publications; 7) talking points; and 8) official correspondence. This included targeting the amount, form, depth and level of detail, and content of the information to the needs of the receiver/audience. Evaluated the written products of others to meet the quality standards of the organization.

Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and presentations: The successful candidate has conveyed analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and presentations, in both planned and extemporaneous situations, in order to discuss or explain issues related to the program area. This included adjusting the amount, form, depth, and level of detail and content of information to the needs of the receiver/audience.

Ability to exercise judgement and discretion: The successful candidate has the ability to demonstrate awareness of the likely consequences or implications of one's own actions and work within the context of agency/organizational/departmental standards. This includes behaving appropriately in a given situation (e.g., with colleagues, clients, media/press), using discretion, and honoring confidentiality.

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

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 X.D, at: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/msp010909.pdf .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Library of Congress will evaluate applicants using the information provided in your resume. Reviews are intended to explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection. For Senior Level positions, applicants do not need to respond to specific competency questions but will be requested to answer one question related to how they became aware of this job opportunity.

CANDIDATES WHO ARE REFERRED TO INTERVIEW FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT WRITING SAMPLES.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).

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. The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.