This position is located in the South America Section, African, Latin American and Western European Division, Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services, Library of Congress. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustment for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area for GS-14. 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. This position is telework eligible as determined by agency policy, but is not a remote position. This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

The incumbent of this position serves as Section Head and is responsible for managing the work of the section, which focuses on the acquisition and cataloging of serials, electronic resources and government publications from the United States. The incumbent plays a leading role in managing the transfer of US government publications into and out of the Library, as well as in its relations with other government agencies within the United States as part of this. The incumbent manages the section responsible for the majority of both electronic resource acquisitions and web harvesting acquisitions within the Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access directorate. The incumbent oversees the work of a staff of librarians and library technicians performing these functions, performing administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. The incumbent serves under the administrative supervision of the division chief. The incumbent works highly independently, exercising considerable judgment, and carries out duties and responsibilities in accordance with broad overall guidelines and policies.

Supervises a group of employees performing work up to the GS-13 level. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit. Determines the human resources needed to accomplish the work of the unit, and independently plans, schedules, coordinates and carries out the unit's activities.

Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations, including quality assurance, for staff members which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance and demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and annual formal evaluations to employees. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests.

Responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of diversity objectives and by adhering to non-discriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability.  Specifically, initiates non-discriminatory practices for the area under his/her supervision in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills.

Serves as an expert in the organization, development, and implementation of multiple projects. Serves as a project leader, team leader, or chairperson for working groups, task forces, committees, etc. Coordinates the details involved in special projects of lasting importance. Utilizes critical judgment to determine scope, emphasis, approach, appropriate techniques, and manner of presentation. Develops technical standards or protocols applicable to a library function. Participates in planning the work of a unit, including formulating goals and objectives and identifying improvements in methods and procedures. May serve as COTR or administer service contracts.

Makes significant recommendations to change, interpret, or develop important or innovative policies, programs, approaches, or analysis methods. Assesses the availability of financial and human resources, and independently plans, schedules, coordinates and carries out activities related to the library acquisitions program. Assists in preparing and overseeing the acquisitions budget. Ensures the comprehensiveness and accessibility of library collections. Makes extensive unreviewed technical judgments regarding library operations.

Ensures that invoices and credits for library materials are received, entered, cleared, and approved in accordance with Library procedures and statutory requirements (i.e., the Prompt Payment Act). Ensures that vendor complaints and/or statements concerning non-payment are investigated and resolved promptly by appropriate personnel and offices; ensures compliance with audit requirements.

Interprets and revises existing training policy and program guidance for use by others, including section, division, and/or directorate members. Independently plans, schedules, coordinates, and monitors the effectiveness of training operations.

Performs various other duties as assigned.

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 supervise, motivate and lead a diverse workforce.**
• Ability to analyze, plan, develop and execute library programs and projects.**
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science.**
• Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems, library applications, and other information technologies.
• Ability to provide training.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.