Summary This position is locate in the Congressional Relations Office Division, Chief Of Staff Directorate, Office Of The Librarian. The position description number for this position is 338430. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Responsibilities This position is located in the Office of the Librarian, Office of the Chief of Staff, Congressional Relations Office. The incumbent serves as an expert Congressional Relations Specialist, responsible for handling congressional requests, planning congressional relations activities and performing other various program functions. The Congressional Relations Specialist reports to the Director, Office of Congressional Relations. Independently plans and carries out a wide variety of tasks in participating in the planning or execution of major activities within the Library or any special activities and assignments. Compiles background information, plans logistical coordination, and personally greets and assists Members of Congress and their staff and briefs them on the activity. Participates extensively in event planning -using good judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills in addition to knowledge of Congress and the Library's history, programs, collections, and space policies --to ensure successful congressional and Library sponsored events, such as briefings, receptions, dinners, luncheons, breakfasts and other meetings. Collaborates with other Library support offices such as the Special Events Office and Office of Public Programs on these events. Monitors and researches Congressional activities of importance to the Library and keeps CRO Director and Library officials apprised of developments and potential issues. Drafts well-crafted letters about Library activities based on knowledge of Congress and Library programs, projects and policies and in response to Congressional inquiries to Members of Congress for the Librarian of Congress and Congressional Relations Office Director. Drafts the annual report for the Congressional Relations Office, articles for the Library of Congress Gazette, and other reports concerning congressional activities and the Library. Reviews draft press releases relating to congressional matters. Exercises independence and authoritative judgement in planning, coordinating and implementing programs and activities for Library staff to ensure that congressional relations are properly understood and represented. Exercises independence and good judgment in managing congressional requests for information. Receives, evaluates, and assigns work to appropriate divisions or offices and liaises with those offices to ensure the request is properly and promptly handled. Promotes coordination and integration of agency requirements and program plans with congressional requests to achieve the necessary balance. Analyzes congressional request statistics for patterns or trends which might affect Library services to Congress. Based on analysis, makes recommendations for improved congressional services. Requirements 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 communicate in writing.* Ability to plan, organize, and execute work.* Ability to exercise judgment and discretion.* Knowledge of the Library and Congress.* Ability to work independently and interact collaboratively.** Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education There are no education requirements for this position. 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. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. 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 ADA@loc.gov. 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 EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. 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. 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.