The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. Through grant making, policy development, and research, we help communities and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning. This position is that of General Counsel for (IMLS). The Incumbent renders legal advice and assistance to the Director of IMLS and on behalf of the Institute.
Summary
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. Through grant making, policy development, and research, we help communities and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning. This position is that of General Counsel for (IMLS). The Incumbent renders legal advice and assistance to the Director of IMLS and on behalf of the Institute.
Salary range has been updated. Vacancy announcement is extended to June 13th due to changes with the salary.
If selected, the incumbent serves as General Counsel of the IMLS. The incumbent will serve as the Counselor to the Director and Senior Policy Advisor. The incumbent renders advice to the Director, Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer, Deputies of the Offices of Museum and Library Services, and the management and staff of the IMLS. Typical work assignments will include but are not limited to the following:
Represents the IMLS by presenting, to various audiences, the legal position of the agency;
Renders legal opinions on behalf of the IMLS including interpretation of the IMLS' enabling legislation, conflicts of interests and ethics questions, constitutional issues, First Amendment issues, appropriations law, civil rights law, administrative law, contracts law, and other matters;
Serves as the principal legal advisor to the Director, the National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB), and other IMLS officials;
Serves as the Secretary of the presidentially appointed board;
Coordinating agency responsibilities under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA);
Supervising subordinate attorney(s) and support staff within the Office of General Counsel;
Serves as Designated Agency Ethics Official.
Oversees office provision of ethics and Hatch Act guidance and training to agency staff, NMLSB members, and other stakeholders.
Conducts or participates in discussions with Congressional Committee staff, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) officials, and other federal officials of private organizations, grantees, etc., concerning legal questions involved in projects or productions sponsored by the IMLS;
Engages on legislation that best promotes the interests of museums and libraries and the IMLS.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
May be required to successfully complete a trial (probationary) period.
If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
This position requires completion of public financial disclosure report.
If not already a member of the SES, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by a Qualifications Review Board of the Office of Personnel Management before appointment to this position.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES), applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level and managerial capability directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Typically, experience of this nature is gained at or above the GS-15 grade level or its equivalent in Federal service.
Your narrative statements should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification. Structure your statements in terms of the action taken, the context or environment in which the action was taken, and the outcome or results from such actions. You should write each statement with the vacancy in mind as all qualifications are directly related to the position being filled. Be sure to include appropriate training and awards when addressing your qualifications. Please limit your narrative statements to two pages per factor.
For further information and tips on writing effective narrative statements, see the Office of Personnel Management (OPM's) publication "A Guide to SES Qualifications", available on the OPM website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf .
Failure to provide separate narrative statements which describe fully and concisely how your experience meets the competencies described in the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) will eliminate you from consideration.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs):
MTQs are designed to assess your experience relevant to the specific position requirements. Each MTQ narrative response must: (1) not exceed two pages per narrative statement; (2) include specific examples of your experience, education, and/or accomplishments; and (3) address specific challenges, contexts, actions, and results. Each must be addressed separately in your Supplemental Narrative Statement. Each MTQ must not exceed 2 pages. You are required to respond to all mandatory technical qualifications. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application and you will be rated as 'ineligible.
Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following MTQs:
Demonstrated success in managing a legal office responsible for interpretation of the agency's enabling legislation, conflicts of interest and ethics, constitutional issues, First Amendment issues, appropriations law, civil rights law, administrative law, contracts law, laws relating to Federal grant programs, and other matters.
Possesses an expert level of analytical skills and abilities to assess the effects of legislative, regulatory, and compliance programs on agency strategies, policies, and operations, especially as it relates to programmatic-related decisions and external communications.
Ability to lucidly analyze legal problems (and their underlying policy considerations), to develop viable and creative options that allow program officials to achieve their program objectives, and to clearly communicate options by explaining facts, concepts, policies, and legal requirements in clear, straightforward language.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
In addition to the Mandatory Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the SES under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five executive core qualifications. The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential, not technical expertise. The ECQs measure whether an individual has the broad executive skills needed to succeed in a variety of SES positions.
Your narrative must address each ECQ separately and should contain one or two examples per ECQ describing your experiences and accomplishments/results. The narrative should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken and the results of your actions. Applicants should not enter "Refer to Resume" to describe your experiences. Applications directing the reviewer to search within the application or to see the resume are considered incomplete and may not receive further consideration. The narrative must not exceed 10 pages.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certificate of Completion of SESCDP) of your eligibility for appointment to the SES.
The following five ECQs provide the focus for certification of executive core qualifications for initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service:
ECQ 1: Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2: Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building
ECQ 3: Results Driven: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organization goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4: Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management
ECQ 5: Building Coalitions: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating
Additional information on ECQs is available at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/ . Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action and Results model outlined in the guide. It is recommended that you draft your ECQs in a Word document and then upload into the system. If you do not submit a separate statement addressing the ECQs and MTQs, you will not receive consideration for the position.
The candidate selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by a Qualifications Review Board of the Office of Personnel Management before appointment to this position and will be required to serve a one-year trial (probationary) period in this position.
Education
Salary range has been updated. Vacancy announcement is extended to June 13th due to changes with the salary.
To qualify for this position of General Counsel, the incumbent must:
Possess at least the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (if selected official copies of your transcripts will be requested prior to entry on duty); AND
Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. State, a U.S. Commonwealth, or a U.S. territory.
Additional information
If not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by a Qualifications Review Board of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment to this position and will be required to serve a one-year trial (probationary) period in this position. The actual salary will be set by determining the appropriate SES level for the person selected. For more information regarding the SES, go to www.opm.gov/ses.
STANDAREDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) inspires public confidence in our work by maintaining high ethical principles. IMLS employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the IMLS Ethics website. We encourage you to review this information.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:
This position requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report as a condition of employment.
FINANCIAL SUITABILITY:
It is the policy of the government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has experienced financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
SELECTIVE SERVICE:
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to SES appointments; however, the Institute of Museum and Library Service considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor consideration in the SES hiring process. If you are eligible for veterans' preference in hiring, you are encouraged to include that information in your application along with the supporting documentation, e.g., SF-15, DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other supporting documentation.
CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CTAP):
The CTAP is not applicable for candidates seeking SES appointment authority.
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS:
This position is NOT covered by the bargaining unit.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All applicants will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Office of Human Resources will review all applications to determine if applicants meet the mandatory professional/technical qualifications of this position and the SES ECQs. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members for rating and ranking to determine the "best qualified" candidates. The panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official about the top candidates that he/she should interview.
Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be subject to certification of their executive qualifications by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (unless previously certified).
(Note: Currentand former SES members, and other candidates who have already been OPM/QRB-certified, are not required to address the executive core qualifications. They must, however, provide documentation of certification in the form of an SF-50 showing career SES status, or an OPM issued SES qualification certificate).
Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, you may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview, such as travel to and from the interview site.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Applicants must submit the following:
1. Your resume supporting your specialized experience (cover letter optional): Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume, but it is acceptable to provide elsewhere in your application package: announcement number and job title for which you are applying, employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr) for paid or non-paid work experience, average number of hours worked per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g., GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Do not include salary amounts. 2. Your responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): (should not exceed 10 pages total, 2 pages per ECQ, 12 pt font, 1-inch margins ). NOTE: If you are a graduate from an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved Senior Executive Candidate Develop program or are a current or former Career Senior Executive Service member, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. 3. Your responses to the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs): (no more than 2 page per MTQ at least 12 pt font). 4. If you are a veteran, please submit a copy of: your DD-214, SF-15 Form, and VA disability letter (if applicable), or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration 5. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: If selected, you will be required to submit an original Certificate of Good Standing from your State or U.S. Territory Bar, if not already received by the agency. 6. Current or former career SES members: must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. 7. Applicants who have successfully completed an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program: must submit a copy of their certification. 8. Current or former Federal Civilian employees: must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) documenting the following: 1) Full position title; 2) appointment type; 3) occupational series; 4) pay plan, grade, and step; 5) tenure code; 6) service computation date (SCD); 7) completion of the SES probationary period. 9.A copy of your college transcript(s): showing degree conferred, and date on official college/university letterhead. (NOTE: if selected official copies of your transcripts will be requested prior to entry on duty) 11. Current or former Federal employees: most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume, veteran's documentation, completed assessment, and SF-50's) is received and accurate. The Office of Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, the applicant will not be able to view it in 'Application Manager,' and this means the applicant must again upload or fax the documentation by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail.
IMLS
955 L'ENFANT PLAZA NORTH, SW
SUITE 4000
WASHINGTON, DC 20024
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Office of Human Resources to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members for rating and ranking to determine the "best qualified" candidates.
The panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official about the top candidates that he/she should interview. Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by an OPM independent Qualifications Review Board, unless the selectee is a current SES executive or has successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a security background investigation and drug screening. If the drug screening is negative and security background is cleared, then a formal job offer will be extended to the candidate. We expect to make a job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Applicants must submit the following:
1. Your resume supporting your specialized experience (cover letter optional): Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume, but it is acceptable to provide elsewhere in your application package: announcement number and job title for which you are applying, employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr) for paid or non-paid work experience, average number of hours worked per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g., GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Do not include salary amounts. 2. Your responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): (should not exceed 10 pages total, 2 pages per ECQ, 12 pt font, 1-inch margins ). NOTE: If you are a graduate from an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved Senior Executive Candidate Develop program or are a current or former Career Senior Executive Service member, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. 3. Your responses to the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs): (no more than 2 page per MTQ at least 12 pt font). 4. If you are a veteran, please submit a copy of: your DD-214, SF-15 Form, and VA disability letter (if applicable), or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration 5. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: If selected, you will be required to submit an original Certificate of Good Standing from your State or U.S. Territory Bar, if not already received by the agency. 6. Current or former career SES members: must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. 7. Applicants who have successfully completed an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program: must submit a copy of their certification. 8. Current or former Federal Civilian employees: must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) documenting the following: 1) Full position title; 2) appointment type; 3) occupational series; 4) pay plan, grade, and step; 5) tenure code; 6) service computation date (SCD); 7) completion of the SES probationary period. 9.A copy of your college transcript(s): showing degree conferred, and date on official college/university letterhead. (NOTE: if selected official copies of your transcripts will be requested prior to entry on duty) 11. Current or former Federal employees: most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume, veteran's documentation, completed assessment, and SF-50's) is received and accurate. The Office of Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, the applicant will not be able to view it in 'Application Manager,' and this means the applicant must again upload or fax the documentation by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail.
IMLS
955 L'ENFANT PLAZA NORTH, SW
SUITE 4000
WASHINGTON, DC 20024
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Office of Human Resources to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members for rating and ranking to determine the "best qualified" candidates.
The panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official about the top candidates that he/she should interview. Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by an OPM independent Qualifications Review Board, unless the selectee is a current SES executive or has successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a security background investigation and drug screening. If the drug screening is negative and security background is cleared, then a formal job offer will be extended to the candidate. We expect to make a job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
