An official website of the United States government
The position serves as the Head, Communications and Outreach Section in the National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress.
The position description number for this position is 061543.
The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.
This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person selected under this vacancy announcement.
Learn more about this agency12/03/2024 to 01/02/2025
$139,395 - $181,216 per year
GS 14
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time - Flexitime.
Excepted
14
Yes
No
VAR002954
821979900
Anyone may apply - By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.
Supervises a group of employees performing work up to the GS-13 level. Provides administrative end technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit.
Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates end conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolves informal complaints end grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work end administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated In this area. Reviews end approves or disapproves leave requests. Assures that subordinates are trained and fully comply with the provisions of the safety regulations.
Assesses program effectiveness or the improvement of complex program and management processes and systems encompassing difficult and diverse functions or issues that affect critical aspects of the major programs of The Library of Congress. As an expert on long-range planning, recommends and participates in developing strategies for implementing planning for a major office or program.
Recommends short-and long-range goals of the organization, develops detailed plans for implementing them, and oversees implementation of the goals in subordinate organizations. Determines if adjustments or changes in objectives or emphasis are needed in organization functions. Recommends organizational or process changes.
Reviews past work histories and known future requirements and determines future resource requirements of the organization, estimating short- and long-range personnel, budgetary, space, and equipment needs. Recommends staffing patterns based on workloads and fiscal limitations. Predicts organization demands and recommends reallocation or augmentation of existing resources.
Directs the administration of national and international traveling exhibits and education programs, exercising responsibility for the direction and growth of these Important outreach programs. Determines the scope and variety of traveling exhibits and directs the development of interpretive textual and multimedia materials that enhance the educational value of these exhibits.
Serves as NLS's principal representative in the relations with other national and international blind and disabled organizations interested in exhibits and education. Coordinates the lending of requested materials for exhibition purposes. Exercises final NLS authorization for such loans.
As a technical expert, provides directorate-wide management of the printing program including the formulation and issuance of printing, duplication, and electronic publishing policies and standards for the directorate. Provides functional direction and program evaluation to NLS network libraries that are responsible for local policy implementation and operation of printing plants and duplicating/electronic publishing facilities. Conducts ongoing reviews and evaluations of agency installations in the functional areas of printing and copying to determine overall effectiveness of management and to ensure agency-wide compliance with Congressional Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) and legal requirements. Continuously studies new equipment and processes to meet the needs of printing plants and to anticipate the agency's forecasted functions.
Plans and manages public relations programs involving Issues that are controversial or of significant public or Congressional interest, such as The Library of Congress programs involving cost overruns, untested technology, or environmental or safety concerns. Handles queries from elected officials, other government agencies, community organizations and the public about The Library of Congress activities that could significantly affect public view of The Library of Congress or prompt Congressional action.
Reviews new and updated agency products for clarity of expression and for problems with accuracy. timeliness, completeness, responsiveness, and copyright compliance. Performs reviews for compliance with agency policies regarding nonpartisanship, objectivity, balance, appropriateness in tone and sensitivity, impartiality, and confidentiality. Exercises final authority over the style and format of products in all but the most extraordinary cases. Coordinates and negotiates with authors in rewriting material that is unclear, misleading, or too complex for the lay reader.
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
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 or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
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.
Knowledge of communication and public affairs principles, methods, and techniques.**
Ability to supervise.**
Ability to serve as a liaison for an organization and develop and maintain effective working relationships.**
Ability to perform program/project planning and management work.**
Knowledge of printing equipment, processes, and technologies used in managing a printing program.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of editing.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
There are no education requirements for this posting.
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 at step one of the grade.
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. For more information, please see: https://www.loc.gov/careers/working-at-the-library/frequently-asked-questions/vetting-personnel-at-the-library/
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. In addition, per Library of Congress Regulation 2010-12, an appointee or internal selectee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period, if this is his/her first supervisory/managerial position at the Library.
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 may 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, Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
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.
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: Merit Selection Plan.
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.
Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.
You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.
Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.
Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly. Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.
Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.
If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED.
Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/821979900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Library of Congress serves the Congress in fulfilling its duties and preserves and promotes knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people. It is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and the world's largest library, with more than 158 million items in its physical collections (including books, manuscripts, prints, photos, film, video, and sound recordings) and over 37 million items online. Located primarily on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Library is the home of the U.S. Copyright Office, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Law Library of Congress, and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
