Program Specialist (Special Assistant)

Library of Congress • Washington, DC

14d

About The Position

The Program Specialist (Special Assistant) is located in the Library of Congress’s Researcher and Collections Services, Kluge Center. The role provides program, administrative, and technical support to the Director of Scholarly Programs, who develops and coordinates scholarly programs for the Library. The specialist helps implement these programs in collaboration with Library Services areas responsible for collections and reference services. The work includes attracting scholars to use Library collections, developing or sponsoring scholarly events, and preparing fundraising proposals.

The position supports executive correspondence and complex inquiries, prepares analytical and supporting materials, and writes correspondence, reports, and grant proposals. It also performs administrative and analytical work related to financial and academic programs; reviews legislation, directives, and guidance affecting program activities; and supports tracking and monitoring the Library’s Strategic Plan. The specialist works with Library managers, staff, federal agencies, and academic and commercial organizations to address program issues, advise on management and operational improvements, and carry out studies and projects with broad organizational or national impact.

The position is non-supervisory and bargaining unit. The incumbent works a flextime schedule. Relocation expenses will not be authorized. The role is in the federal excepted service; initial permanent appointments require a one-year probationary period. A comprehensive federal benefits package is described, with eligibility dependent on position type.

Requirements

• Progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to perform the duties without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to analyze problems and make recommendations.
• Ability to provide program management, evaluation, and oversight.
• Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations.
• Ability to perform administrative and analytical functions related to financial and academic programs.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure correspondence responses are consistent with Library of Congress policies and positions on complex matters.
• Assist staff in preparing timely, complete, appropriate responses to complex inquiries from high-level sources or significant interest groups, consistent with executive preferences and policies.
• Ensure correspondence packages include analytical, background, and supporting information, and analyze communications for conformance with executive policy.
• Write correspondence, reports, budget-related grant proposals, and other work-related documents.
• Gather, interpret, and analyze information; record information needed for reports; and participate in discussions and meetings.
• Plan and carry out approved assignments, resolve conflicts, coordinate work with others, and interpret policy in relation to established objectives.
• Propose approaches or methodologies for work assignments.
• Research and identify complex program issues affecting initiatives in major organizational components; recommend and coordinate resolutions and improvements.
• Perform administrative and analytical duties related to the formulation, justification, presentation, execution, and review of financial and academic programs.
• Review, analyze, and interpret legislation, appropriations language, directives, and Treasury Department and IRS guidelines related to matters including fellowships, government travel and contracting, visas, and taxes for non-resident aliens.
• Assist with tracking, updating, and monitoring implementation of the Library’s Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate with Library managers and staff on management plans, programs, and budgets, and advise on efficiencies offered by new developments.
• Prepare a final paper or project for self-directed assignments and make strategic recommendations addressing Library challenges or long-range planning needs.
• Provide authoritative guidance and leadership to programs affecting major agency organizations; plan and complete analytical studies of key agency programs; and advise on broad projects and programs with national impact.
• Consult with management at all levels, other federal agencies, and academic and commercial organizations worldwide; maintain liaison with program directors and help ensure requirements and funding are adequate.
• Provide program, administrative, and technical assistance to the Director of Scholarly Programs and, as needed, the Director of Area Studies, Associate Librarian for Library Services, and Librarian of Congress.
• Review, advise on, and conduct complex analyses, evaluations, or investigations supporting organizational programs, systems, and processes, including work with incomplete, controversial, uncertain, or broad-ranging data and definitions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• The Library may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans, subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed