Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Manuscript Division, Special Collections Directorate, Library Services.

The position description number for this position is 386178.

This position has no promotion potential.

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

The incumbent of this position may work a flexitime work schedule.

This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The Chief of the Manuscript Division (MSS) serves as the Library's primary expert responsible for the preservation, security, and service of the manuscript and archival collections under its purview to meet the needs of government officials, scholars, and others who request information or require access to those collections and services. Under the Chief's general direction, the Manuscript Division is responsible for the acquisition program, custody, and effective use of one of the foremost manuscript repositories in the United States.

The Chief of the Manuscript Division receives general policy guidance from the Director, Special Collections Directorate (SCD), but has primary managerial and professional responsibility for the growth and direction of public and scholarly research and reference services. The Chief plays a key role in establishing a positive image for the Library and its collections, as well as its service to Congress, scholars and researchers, and its role as the National Library.

Exercises overall responsibility, as well as delegated authority, for oversight and administration of broad, emerging, and critical Library of Congress programs and operations. Responsible for directing and managing the Manuscript Division to efficiently accomplish specified goals and objectives outlined in the Library's strategic plan. Evaluates current and proposed programs and operations and takes actions to initiate, modify, or cancel projects in accord with the service unit's directional plan and performance budget.

Provides professional, technical and administrative direction for all activities of the Manuscript Division. In collaboration with the Assistant Chief, Sections Heads and Administrative Staff, plans, develops, and directs the acquisitions, processing, custodial, reference, bibliographic, research, and product production activities of the Division. Coordinates with subordinate supervisors to plan budgets, programs, policies and procedures for the Division.

Administers the Division's reference, processing, managerial, and administrative staff to accomplish program goals and objectives; directs the Division's annual budget process and manages budget execution, for appropriated, gift and trust funds; and represents the Division at professional and management meetings. Plans the annual program and activities within the Library Services budget, and establishes short and long range goals and objectives. Determines research and collection development projects for staff, ensuring that analog and digital collections are relevant to researcher needs and that they are served in a timely and efficient manner. Coordinates the Division's security, preservation, and collection and space management programs in collaboration with appropriate management and staff in the Division and officials throughout the Library. Coordinates with other government agency officials and institutions interested in collaborative projects and inter agency agreements. Determines digitization project priorities through consultation with other Library managers. Develops and recommends policy encompassing the use of materials in the Division's custody, and the provision of reference and research service to meet the needs of scholars, publishers, and other research communities.

As the Division's principal recommending officer, supervises recommendations for acquisition by staff specialists and makes recommendations in special fields of personal competence. Directs and encourages growth and maintenance of the Division's collections and facilitates and increases their use and access nationally and internationally. Serves as a senior information specialist in one or more of the subject areas of the Manuscript Division, with responsibility for establishing and developing collections and services under the purview of the Division, including assessing external collections for possible acquisition; soliciting donations from private collectors and creators with historically important materials which would enhance Library's collections; and the conversion of materials on deposit to gifts.

Performs the full range of human resource management functions related to directly and indirectly supervised staff. Sets and clearly communicates performance expectations for staff and oversees performance management principles in accord with Library regulations, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.

Develops, conceives, plans, and implements policies and guidelines affecting broad, emerging, and/or critical agency programs. Translates new legislation and/or Library strategic goals into program goals, actions, and policies, interpreting the impact of a new legislative or strategic planning requirements on agency programs. Is recognized as an agency authority in formulating new policies and program objectives that have a broad or long-range impact on the Library, as well as the subject fields under the purview of the Manuscript Division.

Travel Required

Not required

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

Security clearance: Individual must meet eligibility requirements for a Top Secret security clearance based on single scope background investigation.

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 direct the acquisition, organization, and preservation of archival and library collections of manuscripts and mixed materials.** The successful candidate has the ability to direct the acquisition, organization and preservation of manuscript and mixed materials by ensuring that collections are developed to serve the constituents of a library and that those constituents are provided the best possible research and referral services. This includes 1) collaborating with a variety of individuals to build and select collections, 2) assuring the arrangement and description of collections; 3) fostering scholarly research in archival and library collections, 4) creating programs to share collections with individuals and groups, and 5) ensuring the security of the collections.

Ability to provide program oversight and administrative management to agency programs and operations.** The successful candidate has the ability to provide a wide range of managerial, analytical, technical, and advisory functions related to the administrative programs within the division. This included the following: 1) provided oversight for human resources, finance, information technology, facilities management and other services, 2) oversaw and guided short- and long-term strategic planning initiatives, 3) accomplished strategic and organizational goals by ensuring the effective interaction and integration of processes, 4) delegated and managed financial operations, 5) provided operational services in support of workforce planning goals, 6) managed effective and efficient administration of facilities requirements, 7) set performance expectations, 8) provided advice, counsel and training to staff, 9) developed policies and guidelines affecting agency programs, and 10) directed, monitored and participated in outreach initiatives.

Ability to lead people and manage a diverse workforce.** The successful candidate has the ability to lead people to meet an organization's vision, mission, and strategic goals, including ongoing improvements in customer services. Provided an inclusive workplace that fostered the development of others, facilitated cooperation and teamwork, and supported constructive resolution of differing opinions by using innovative approaches and future-oriented thinking. Performed human resources management functions such as 1) managed the budget and personnel planning; 2) established performance expectations for supervisors and staff; 3) provided formal and informal performance feedback and evaluated staff; and 4) promoted the goals of equal employment opportunity and ensured the office was free of discriminatory employment practices.

Knowledge of current research trends and resources related to American history and culture.** The successful candidate has knowledge of American history and culture to manage functions and carry out library, archive, or historical programs.

Ability to lead and inspire change.The successful candidate has the ability to lead tasks and people effectively and inspired change in developing and implementing agency values, principles, and direction. This included the ability to 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; and promote a culture of change and growth.

Ability to communicate in writing. The successful candidate has the ability to communicate complex and specialized issues in writing through 1) policies and procedures, 2) strategic planning and forecasting documents, 3) performance management documents, 4) program proposals, 5) analysis/reports, 6) project plans, 7) budget documentation, 8) annual reports, 9) statements of work, and 10) policies and guidelines. This included targeting the amount, form, depth and level of detail, and content of the 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

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.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement

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 participate 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.
To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

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.