Program Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Literary Initiatives Office, Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement, Chief of Staff, Office of the Librarian.

The position description number for this position is 403853.

This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

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

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

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Duties

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The Literary Initiatives Office is situated within the Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement and was established to provide leadership for Library-wide literary programming to strengthen and diversify the institution's offerings and create more innovative programs that engage both local and national audiences. Literary Initiatives is comprised of the Poetry & Literature Center and the Center for the Book (established by Public Law 95-129 to use the prestige and resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading).

Under direction of the Director of Literary Initiatives, is responsible for and assists in, setting the tone for the Literary Initiative's overall programmatic agenda; by building or advising on individual programs and program series, requiring: program strategy, planning, management, execution and evaluation. The incumbent will be performing some duties as a program manager, creating timelines and working with programs at different stages in a life cycle.

In coordination with, and under the direction of the Director, supports long-range planning and analysis of agency programs. Works with management to develop long-range management plans for efficient and effective program implementation and administration. Supports the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness or the improvement of complex management processes and systems. Applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of complex short and long-range goals of the organization and develops detailed plans for implementing them. Recommend changes in objectives or emphasis in functions under the organization's purview. Optimizes the use of existing resources, assists in planning for future resource needs, estimates short- and long-range personnel, budgetary, space, and equipment needs, and implements new resources. Assists the Literary Initiatives director with supporting the daily operations of programs and activities, including providing guidance to temporary volunteers and college interns. Oversees the updates to and maintenance of the schedules for program events, keeping the Director of Literary Initiatives and the offices of Special Events and Public Programs informed to avoid conflict with other Library events. Implements centralized and mission-specific projects under established and/or proposed program objectives, paying particular attention to projects with a bearing on the strategic plans of the Library, Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement (CLLE), and especially Literary Initiatives.

Assists in determining the need for written policies and procedures, overseeing the development of policies and procedures, and reviewing and recommending approval upon completion. Reviews productivity in several key areas, monitors problem areas, and oversees implementation of solutions to problems. Conducts periodic and comprehensive evaluations of ongoing functions to ensure the organization meets its stated goals. Identifies areas where operational efficiency can be enhanced. Recommends actions necessary to maintain or improve the quality and quantity of operational services, introducing or refining automation, reorganizing operating units, reassigning personnel, and proposing the increase of organization resources. Directs the capture, reporting, and analysis of statistical data relating to the organization's operations and directs or personally performs special studies regarding this data. Assists the Literary Initiatives director in soliciting funds to support the activities and purpose, as specified in Public Law 95-129.

Supports the evaluation and assessment of Literary Initiative programs, including those developed in cooperation with other Library of Congress units and organizational partners from outside the Library such as state centers for the book.

Serves as a liaison for Literary Initiatives and the Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement. Initiates, establishes, and maintains effective and professional working relationships with CLLE staff at multiple levels, as well as across the institution and with external professionals. Assists in the development and implementation of plans designed to enhance relationships with targeted stakeholders. Plans and conducts public meetings, briefings and other constituent relations activities supporting Literary Initiative programs.

Communicates and collaborates with stakeholders throughout the Library and outside the agency with external professionals. Effectively communicates orally and in writing to both technical and non-technical staff concerning LOC Literary Initiatives. Works collaboratively inside and outside the agency to assist people and groups both inside and outside the Library to facilitate and encourage the development and implementation of institution-wide best practice standards, including possibly serving on LOC committees.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

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 or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

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 provide program planning and management, evaluation, and oversight that support the goals of the organization.**

Ability to conduct organizational or program assessments.**

Ability to provide consultation and liaison duties.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to manage projects and/or programs.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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 at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process

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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 Equal Employment Opportunity at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. 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.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.