Duties

Summary

Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) to authors of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other works. The Office of Public Information and Education provides information to the public and to the copyright community regarding U.S. copyright law and Copyright Office services. The Communications Officer implements outreach programs to external audiences, i.e. the general public, and political and executive branch officials.

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Responsibilities

The United States Copyright Office, located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers the Copyright Law; advises Congress and government agencies on legal and policy matters; provides international representation on copyright issues; administers the national copyright registration system; provides collections materials to the Library through voluntary registration and mandatory deposit programs; records documents relating to copyright chain of title; administers statutory license provisions of the law, including collecting and distributing royalties; maintains the world's largest database of copyright public records; and provides information and reference services to the public.

Staff of the Office of Public Information and Education respond to inquiries from the public, create and distribute Copyright Office publications, plan and execute a variety of educational activities, engage in outreach with diverse audiences via social media, and maintain the Copyright Office's website.

The position is Communications Officer and reports to the Supervisory Communications Officer in the Outreach Section of the Office of Public Information and Education. The incumbent provides public information in various settings and uses electronic resources to promote the Copyright Office's mission.

Implements and executes various operations of the Outreach and Education Section. Plans and implements a comprehensive public affairs program to improve the understanding of the Copyright Office's programs among the general public, and specialized groups and organizations.

Utilizing analytical skills, and in collaboration with Office and Copyright management, analyzes data to determine areas to concentrate public affairs efforts. Identifies and assesses options and alternatives, making the final decision on multiple operational details, while working with Office and Copyright management on larger issues, which may include overall strategic direction and budgetary issues.

Researches the needs of the public and the copyright community to develop targeted outreach content and methods. Uses various methods and techniques in achieving communication goals such as exhibits, website postings, blogs, and other social media.

Researches and selects copyright industry organizations, publishers, trade and professional associations, and other groups to target for web presentations and articles, on-line interactive interviews and learning events, question and answer sessions, blog posts, and other social media and website postings.

Arranges and conducts workshops, seminars and other meetings, both conventional and web-based, with various organizations to enhance understanding of Copyright Office programs and services, stimulating interest and awareness, identifying concerns, and motivating participating groups to communicate information about Copyright Office services to employees and constituents.

Arranges and conducts special tours of the Copyright Office for visitors, dignitaries, and groups, and participates in public and professional meetings, workshops, and exhibitions, etc., by answering questions and/or representing the Copyright Office.

Identifies and proposes ways for persons interested in Copyright to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community. As technologies evolve, identifies trends and recommends adoption of new techniques and methods and abandoning those no longer useful.

Writes proposals, reports, training programs, social media postings, web content, and other materials supporting projects. Uses excellent judgment in all aspects of the position, including understanding the delicate balance between disclosure and discretion when working with persons and entities outside the Copyright Office.

Based on feedback from the public, internal sources, and personal observation recommends new forms of information for distribution to the public in new ways.

Performs various other duties as assigned.

The position description number for this position is 373776.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

This position has promotion potential to GS-13.

While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials.

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

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.

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

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

No additional requirements to those listed above.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to Write/Communicate in Writing**

Ability to Plan, Prioritize, Organize, and/or Execute Education/Outreach Initiatives**

Ability to Research, Analyze, Evaluate, and Make Recommendations to Improve Program Effectiveness**

Knowledge of Public Affairs Programs & Web Communication Strategies.

Ability to Utilize Computer Technology/Software Applications.

Ability to Develop and Maintain Relationships, Interact Collaboratively, and Convey Information Through Briefings, Consultations, and Other Presentations.

Ability to Communicate Effectively Other than in Writing.

Education

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid the minimum step of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly 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 reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period.

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.

A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

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.

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 evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.

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 .

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.