Clarification from the agency

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.

The Special Collections Directorate seeks a creative, collaborative, and service-oriented leader to serve as Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, one of the foremost rare book and special collections repositories in the United States currently comprising nearly 1 million books, broadsides, pamphlets, theater playbills, title pages, prints, posters, photographs, and medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. The Division's holdings encompass nearly all eras and subjects, with a multitude of strengths including 15th-century printing, history of science, Americana, and the American Book Arts. Notable collections include the Thomas Jefferson Library, the Rosenwald Collection, and the Aramont Library.

The Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division (RBSCD) provides vision and leadership for the development, stewardship, interpretation, promotion, and service of the rare books and special collections under its purview to meet the needs of government officials, scholars, and all users who request information or seek access to those collections and services. Under the Chief’s general direction, the Division’s primary role is to expand access to, enhance the research value and use of, and promote public engagement with the Library’s rare books and special collections in support of the Library’s mission of connecting with all Americans. The Chief is responsible for directing the activities of the Division and related external activities, supervising Division staff, fostering collaboration with colleagues in the agency and the broader community, and cultivating relations with potential donors to support and advance the work of the Division. The Chief serves as a leader in the field of rare books and special collections and represents the Library at national and international meetings, events, and programs, especially those related to the Division’s collections.

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 Rare Book and Special Collections 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.

Establishes performance expectations for a group of staff members performing work up to the GS-14 level. 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. Provides informal feedback and periodically assesses staff on organizational performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances and takes necessary personnel actions. Provides advice and counsel to staff and subordinate managers on work and policy matters.

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. 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 Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high-level managers and officials, including Members of Congress and their staff, other legislative and executive agencies, members of the Madison Council, prospective donors, and distinguished members of the public including scholars, to advance the mission of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and the mission of the Library of Congress, furthering its strategic goals.

Serves as primary agency advisor on collections, services, programs, and events of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division. Counsels senior management staff and officials at multiple levels of the Library of Congress, including senior staff of the Library Collections and Services Group, the Researcher and Collection Services Service Unit, the Special Collections Directorate, the Congressional Relations Office, the Center for Literacy, Learning, and Engagement, the Center for Exhibits and Interpretation, and Library Development.

Conditions of employment

• See requirements listed below under Qualifications Required.

Your resume and cover letter are important to this application process. They will be reviewed to determine whether you possess the qualifications referenced below. All applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that provide 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.  

Conditions of Employment 

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 the ability to lead, manage, and oversee core services, programs, and/or projects to accomplish an organization’s mission and goals in a library, archival, or museum setting. In doing so, had the following responsibilities: 1) developed program performance objectives/targets that support the organization’s mission and goals, 2) conducted monthly or quarterly reviews and prepared annual assessments of accomplishments and outcomes/results, 3) advised senior level officials, 4) oversaw day-to-day operations directly and through others, 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 a program/area of responsibility, and 8) planned, acquired, and organized resources and people.

Knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of modern librarianship as it relates to rare and special collections and provision of researcher services**:  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, special collections, or archival    setting; using this knowledge to acquire content, organize material, and provide access to analog and digital collections. Experience with the following: 1) developed and implemented modern strategies for rare, special and general collections development and management; 2) set strategies to preserve, secure, organize, describe, digitize and make information accessible; 3) provided leadership for community-based engagement and diversity in collections development; 4) enriched the online and offsite user experience around collections and services; 5) implemented innovative onsite user experiences that support traditional and evolving forms of research; and 6) pursued creative and practical channels for increasing user engagement.

Ability to build coalitions and professional networks**:  The successful candidate has the ability to identify, build and maintain relationships and professional networks to gain support and commitment from scholars and other learners; the publishing and creative community; and colleagues in the library, rare book and special collections, archival and /or museum fields. 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 successful relationships with donors and potential donors to obtain additions to Library collections; and 4) working with the research library, rare book and special collections, and/or archival communities to identify trends and issues related to the collections and services of the Library.

Ability to supervise, develop and lead a diverse cultural heritage workforce**:  The successful candidate has supervised, managed and/or provided leadership for a diverse workforce at a government, corporate, academic, or nonprofit library, archival, or museum organization, which included: 1) establishing realistic yet challenging goals and standards; 2) supplying regular, constructive feedback and mentoring to assist staff in attaining their goals; 3) involving staff in planning, decision making and team building; 4) identifying current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals and skill gaps; 5) providing opportunities for training and career advancement; 6) hiring staff; 7) addressing staff performance, conduct, and disciplinary matters; 8) establishing and communicating performance expectations; 9) assigning work and ensuring tasks are appropriately delegated and satisfactorily completed; and 10) creating and embracing an environment fostering diversity, integrity, and honesty focused on ongoing improvement to self and others and to customer service.

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 in a library, archival, or museum setting. 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 communicate effectively in writing and review and assess the writing of others:  The successful candidate has prepared a variety of clear, cogent, accurate, well-organized, and understandable complex and specialized documents related to the work of the position, such as: 1) funding proposals; 2) policies; 3) program goals and objectives; 4) business plans; 5) budget justifications; 6) performance management documents/evaluations; 7) annual and other reports; 8) research papers; and 9) scholarly articles, exhibition captions, and blog posts focused on historical topics or resources. This includes the ability to target an audience and shape communications so that they are appropriate and specific to the activity.

Ability to present information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations:  The successful candidate has the ability to convey 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 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.

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.
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