Duties

This position is not eligible for permanent remote telework.

The Director has overall responsibility, as well as delegated authority, for the oversight and administration of broad, emerging, and critical agency programs or operations. Is primarily responsible for the direction and management of the Directorate and is charged with developing, building, and curating the digital and physical collections, stewardship and management of the collections, and sharing the collections by providing resources for researchers seeking to use the vast collections of the Library. Has responsibility for creating and managing metadata according to national standards for archival collections and for cartographic, music, and graphic materials. Has responsibility for researcher focused services, including multiple reading rooms and websites, as well as special collections access guidance, orientation, and instruction.

Working closely with the Center for Learning, Literacy, & Engagement, the Office of Communications, and the Center for Exhibits & Interpretation, leads the Special Collections Directorate in creating and participating in outreach initiatives, exhibits, and special events to creatively share the Library's collections. Represents Researcher & Collections Services on a broad variety of Library-wide programs and projects to engage visitors and audiences online and on-site with the Library's unique, special, and rare collections.

Plans, directs, and ensures the security of the collections in collaboration with appropriate management staff in the Divisions and officials throughout the Library. Is responsible for the provision of effective service to Congressional and government offices, to other Federal, academic, and public libraries, and to general readers and lifelong learners from the U.S. and abroad. Plans and directs the production of authoritative information such as research guides.

Plans and directs activities financed by gift, trust or permanent loan funds associated with the Library's collections. In collaboration with the Development Office and the Librarian's Office, proposes, plans, and directs activities financed by grants from institutions and foundations, or carries out negotiations with donors or prospective donors. Is responsible for budget and personnel planning within the divisions under his/her direction to assure a coordinated program designed to meet the mission and goals of the Special Collections Directorate, RCS, and the Library.

Serves as the primary advisor to the AL-RCS on various programs and events of the Special Collections Directorate. Works closely with the Director of the Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement, as well as the Center for Exhibits and Interpretation within the Office of the Librarian to create and promote engagement of users with the Library's Special Collections. Counsels senior management and officials at multiple levels of the Library of Congress; senior staff of the Directorate; and private sector clients and vendors on agency matters.

Works closely with the Center for Learning, Literacy & Engagement and Office of Communications to plan, support, and implement events and programs to share the Library's unique collections. Leads the Special Collections Directorate engagement activities, creating and participating in outreach programs, special events, multimedia, and social media. Represents Researcher & Collections Services on a broad variety of Library-wide programs and projects to engage visitors and audiences with the Library's unique, special, and rare collections, as well as build new generations of Library users.

Establishes performance expectations for subordinate managers. Provides informal feedback and formally evaluates direct reports on organizational and individual performance. Provides advice and counsel to staff members and subordinate managers. Effects disciplinary measures. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests.

Promotes the spirit and practice of diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity programs, ensuring that the commitment to equal opportunity is carried forward in all aspects of Human Resources management. The Director is responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to ensure the accomplishment of affirmative action objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. Specifically, the incumbent initiates non-discriminatory practices and affirmative action for the area under his/her direction in the following:(1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills.

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. A cover letter contextualizing your experience is welcome though not mandatory. 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 .

Conditions of Employment

Library employees must be fully vaccinated by Monday, January 3, 2022. New hires must be fully vaccinated by the date of their appointment.

Employees are considered fully vaccinated when it has been at least two weeks since they received the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) or the single dose of a one-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson/Janssen). At this time, booster shots are not necessary to be considered fully vaccinated.

Upon request, employees must provide proof of vaccination to the Health Services Division.

Consistent with applicable law, the Library will consider individual exceptions to the vaccination requirement based on an employee's medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Employees with an approved exception will be subject to weekly testing and other COVID-19 safety protocols as directed, including, for example, wearing masks and social distancing.

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 lead and manage a program/area of responsibility**: The successful candidate has acquired and administered 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 regular 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.

Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library and archival practices**: The successful candidate has applied professional knowledge of library and information management principles, concepts and techniques to manage library functions and carry out library programs in a research library setting; using this knowledge to create content, organize material, and provide access to special and digital collections. Experience with the following: 1) setting priorities and policies for rare and special collections management, including archival processing; 2) cataloging or description of digital collection items; 3) evaluation of collection materials to determine strategies to organize and make accessible, including strategies to address large quantities of unprocessed collections; 4) providing leadership for a collection development program; and 5) working closely with library subject specialists in setting reference service priorities and targets.

Ability to build coalitions and professional networks**: The successful candidate has identified, built, and maintained relationships and professional networks to gain support and commitment from scholars and other learners; the publishing and creative community; and colleagues in the library and archival field. This includes: 1) participating in and representing the institution at professional association meetings; 2) working collaboratively with other departments, agencies and organizations to further agency goals and objectives; 3) establishing cordial relationships with donors and potential donors to obtain additions to Library collections; and 4) working with the archival and research library community to identify trends and issues related to the collections and services of the Library.

Ability to lead people and manage a diverse workforce: The successful candidate has led 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: managed the budget and personnel planning for organizational units under his/her direction; established performance expectations for subordinate supervisors and staff; provided formal and informal performance feedback and evaluated staff; and promoted the goals of equal employment opportunity and ensured the office was free of discriminatory employment practices.

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 conveyed 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 in writing and review and assess the writing of others: The successful candidate has written clear, cogent, accurate, well-organized, and understandable written products in the area of information or library management, such as: 1) strategic planning and forecasting documents; 2) policies; 3) budget requests; 4) funding proposals; 5) program goals and objectives; 6) project plans; 7) contract statements of work; 8) program performance documentation; 9) annual reports; and, 10) library program information for the Congress. This includes 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 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

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.

A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;

or

B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.

Foreign Education - Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) . Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.

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 .