About This Position
This position is located in the Manuscript Division, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services. The position description number is 386178.
This position has no promotion potential. The salary range reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metro area. The incumbent may work a flextime work schedule. This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses may be considered for the person selected under this vacancy.
Qualifications
The competencies below are required for this position. Those marked with a double asterisk (**) are considered the most critical competencies for this position. A candidate's resume must show a proven record of accomplishment that clearly demonstrates he or she has: 1.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library and archival practice as it relates to manuscript collections, and the provision of researcher services and public programs**: The successful candidate applied professional knowledge of library, archival, and information management principles, concepts, and techniques to manage functions and carry out programs in a research library setting; using this knowledge to acquire content, organize material, provide access to analog and digital collections documenting American life and history, and promote user engagement. Experience with the following: 1) established strategies and priorities for manuscript and archival collections development and management; 2) set policies and procedures to preserve, secure, organize, describe, digitize, and make collections accessible; 3) enriched the onsite and online user experience around collections and services and increased usage by diverse user groups; 4) developed collaborative approaches to public outreach and programs to increase the use of Library collections and services; and 5) incorporated assessment activities into routine procedures for collections, services, and programs.
- Ability to provide program oversight and administrative management to agency programs and operations**: The successful candidate provided a wide range of managerial, analytical, technical, and advisory functions related to the administrative programs within the division. This included: 1) provided oversight for human resources, finance, information technology, facilities management and other services, 2) oversaw and guided short- and long-term strategic planning initiatives, 3) accomplished strategic and organizational goals by ensuring the effective interaction and integration of processes, 4) delegated and managed financial operations, 5) provided operational services in support of workforce planning goals, 6) managed effective and efficient administration of facilities requirements, 7) set performance expectations, 8) provided advice, counsel and training to staff, 9) developed policies and guidelines affecting agency programs, and 10) directed, monitored and participated in outreach initiatives.
- Ability to supervise, develop, and lead a cultural heritage workforce**: The successful candidate supervised and managed a workforce including: 1) established realistic yet challenging goals and standards; 2) supplied regular, constructive feedback, mentoring to assist staff in attaining their goals; 3) incorporated active participation of staff in planning, decision making and team building; 4) identified skills and abilities of staff and any skill gaps in the workforce for current and future needs; 5) provided opportunities for training and career advancement; 6) hired staff; 7) addressed performance and disciplinary matters; 8) communicated performance expectations; 9) conducted timely and periodic performance evaluations; 10) ensured tasks are appropriately delegated and satisfactorily completed; and 11) created and embraced an environment fostering integrity and honesty focused on ongoing improvement to self and others and to customer service.
- Ability to think strategically and lead change**: The successful candidate established and implemented a strategic vision and direction for an organization or group and leads and effects change. This included evaluating interdependencies and interrelationships among functions and resources and outcomes; developed performance targets; and identified strategic opportunities.
This also included championing ideas that promote the mission with enthusiasm, conviction, and assertiveness; gained support and commitment from others; and motivated and inspired others. Participated in developing and implementing revisions to an organization's strategy for adapting to new challenges. Was responsible for implementing at least one major component of a strategy change for an organization.
Discussed the importance of evaluating organizational progress against targets and/or to adjusting targets or expectations as appropriate.
- Ability to build coalitions and professional networks across and outside of an organization: The successful candidate identified, built, and maintained relationships and professional networks to gain support and commitment from stakeholders and other strategic partners within and outside of the organization; industry partners; and colleagues in relevant academic, library and archival fields. This included: 1) participated in and represented the institution at professional association and industry meetings; 2) worked collaboratively with other departments, agencies and organizations to further agency goals and objectives; 3) established cordial relationships with donors and potential donors to obtain additions to Library collections; and 4) worked with the archival and research library community to identify and cooperate in response to trends and issues related to the collections and services of the Library.
- Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing: The successful candidate effectively expressed ideas and recommendations other than in writing in various settings to peers, staff, managers, supervisors, and external audiences to both provide and seek information. This included actively listening to or understanding communicated information and answering questions thoughtfully and completely.
Major Duties
Career Showcase - Chief, Manuscript Division (VAR003289) Friday, April 17, 2026 1:00 PM ET – 2:00 PM ET This event will be hosted on https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1605143766 Join a live, virtual Career Showcase to learn about an exciting career opportunity directly from senior leaders at the Library of Congress. Simply log on to the link below on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM (ET) to learn about the Chief, Manuscript Division (VAR003289) role at the Library of Congress. Registration is not required.
To participate anonymously, simply identify yourself as "Anonymous2026" when entering the session. Please join the webinar on https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1605143766 When: Friday, April 17, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Chief, Manuscript Division (VAR003289) Zoom Link: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1605143766 Or join by telephone: +1 646 828 7666 US (New York) Webinar ID: 160 514 3766 Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or [email protected]. A recording of the Career Showcase will be available by no later three business days following the event. _________________________________ The selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI/Q Security Clearance.
The position serves as the Chief of the Manuscript Division, and reports to the Director of the Special Collections Directorate, in the Researcher and Collections Services Service Unit within the Library Collections and Services Group. The Chief of the Manuscript Division is a forward-looking, people-focused, and collaborative leader with broad responsibility for the preservation, security, and service of the manuscript and archival collections under its purview to meet the needs of government officials, scholars, and others who request information or require access to those collections and services. Under the Chief's general direction, the Manuscript Division is responsible for the development, stewardship, interpretation, promotion, and service of one of the foremost manuscript repositories documenting American history and culture.
The Chief plays a key role in establishing a positive image for the Library and its collections, as well as its service to Congress, scholars and researchers, and its role as the National Library. Administers the Division's curatorial, reference, processing, managerial, and administrative staff to accomplish program goals and objectives; directs the Division's annual budget process and manages budget execution for appropriated, gift and trust funds; and represents the Division at professional and management meetings. Coordinates the Division's security, preservation, and collection and space management programs in collaboration with appropriate management and staff in the Division and officials throughout the Library.
Determines digitization project priorities through consultation with other Library managers. Directs and encourages selective growth and sustainable maintenance of the Division's analog and digital collections and facilitates and increases their discovery, use, and access, onsite and online, and provides collaborative leadership for planning and managing shared stewardship capacities across SCD divisions. Develops and recommends policy on the acquisition of important collections with a view to ensuring that the Library's collections are adequate and responsive to the demands of researchers and befitting the national library and its mission to collect and preserve a selective, representative record of America's creativity and the world's knowledge.
Ensures the Division supports the vision of being a library for all, onsite and online, and builds services and programs around the needs of researchers and visitors. Leads efforts to raise awareness and promote outreach and engagement with the Division's collections and resources for users, including Congress, researchers, visitors, and the public, both national and international. Performs the full range of human resource management functions related to directly and indirectly supervised staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Conditions of Employment
Your resume is important to this application process. It will be reviewed to determine whether you possess the qualifications referenced above. All applicants are required to submit a resume that provides specific information (to include accomplishments, work experience and education/training) that clearly describes what you would bring to the position.
The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library's vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library's Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: https://www.loc.gov/static/portals/careers/documents/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf 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 drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
How You Will Be Evaluated
The Library of Congress will evaluate applicants using the information provided in your resume. Reviews are intended to explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection. For Senior Level positions, applicants do not need to respond to specific competency questions but will be requested to answer one question related to how they became aware of this job opportunity.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Additional Information
All initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. In addition, all newly appointed Senior Level executives, from outside the Library as well as from within, must serve a one year probationary period in accordance with the Library of Congress Regulations (LCRs) 9-1610 Senior Level Executive System. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. All who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. 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 [email protected].
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 202-707-6024 or email [email protected].
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.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. 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. The selected applicant will be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
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. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section 8.5, at: Senior Level Merit Selection Plan.
How to Apply
Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure that you are considered for the position. Please note, there is no page restriction to your resume, and you are allowed to upload a resume longer than two pages in the resume section within the application process. When the application system prompts, please proceed to the agency site to complete your application.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress. Step 2: Review the Job Announcement.
We recommend you go to the Qualifications and Evaluations section of the job announcement to review the qualifications listed to ensure that your resume reflects your accomplishments in those areas. Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement.
Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume.
You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment.
You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements. Step 4: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact [email protected] , no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date.
Required Documents
Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent). 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. The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 202-707-6024 or email [email protected].
FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.