Duties
Researches, writes and edits materials that are complex or controversial, and read by a diverse audience. Develops and synthesizes final copy based on material submitted by others. Critiques and rewrites manuscripts for accuracy, logic, completeness, and effective communication for the intended audience; resolving conflicts in written material so that published items are consistent with organizational mission, administrative policies, objectives, and the information program of incumbent's area of assignment. Frequently, the submitted material requires extensive rewriting, reorganizing, and editing.
Establishes policies for style, readability, and consistency for all scripts, signage, and publications produced. Evaluates preliminary drafts and offers suggestions to project directors, authors, and/or designers on presentation of subject matter and visuals for a target audience. Incumbent completes all work in readable, typewritten form. Reviews manuscripts for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, organization, and conformance to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. Eliminates inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and erroneous matter. Uses extensive knowledge of NLSBPD mission, policies, and procedures.
Reviews written materials that explain and interpret complex policies, programs, and functions for a major agency organization, such as a Regional Office, Center, or major agency installation. Performs a preliminary check of the written material for items such as policy issues needing further clarification, biased positions in written materials, etc.
Provides recommendations and edits changes prepared by the original authors of the materials. Persuades authors to make or accept revisions in the approach and/or content of the materials. Checks for correct spelling, punctuation, clear and appropriate language, and proper placement of inserted material. Checks hard copy of materials for such items as presentation quality, quality of print, spacing of headings and tables, etc.
Develops and writes information materials designed to reach selected national audiences through the news media such as wire services, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. Written materials include newsletters, news releases, spot radio, television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, editorials for top agency managers, background statements, etc. Interviews and confers with management and other program specialists to obtain latest information for use in newsletters, news releases, video news releases, radio programs, articles, and meetings with news media representatives. Evaluates existing and proposed publications. Evaluates the impact and effectiveness of information materials designed to reach various audiences through the news media. Designs and prepares briefing materials using a variety of communication methods. Prepares detailed statistical reports concerning the dissemination of information.
After consultation with the COS Section Head on complex, high-visibility, and high-dollar publications, establishes production schedules and ensures adherence to those schedules. In conjunction with appropriate internal and external partners including LC Print Shop staff, recommends the best methods of printing, selection of paper and ink, and purchase of special services, ensuring the best use of publications funds. Consults with staff concerning agency dated periodicals, advising them on matters involving coordinating with the LC Print Shop and NLS staff.
Produces graphics and visual materials for publications, while selecting the appropriate formats. Uses knowledge of visual resources and creativity to plan and prepare graphic design presentations to appropriate program staff for final approval. All presentations reflect the correct scale, color, photography, typography, and materials that are based on the incumbent's understanding of the objectives of the project. For initial presentation, prepares conceptual elevations, scaled layouts, or thumbnail sketches for consultation purposes. Final designs are presented in actual format, color, material, and scale.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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 edit materials for publication.**
Ability to lead and direct a cooperative publishing program.**
Ability to interact collaboratively with others.
Ability to plan and manage projects.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Education
There are no education requirements for this posting.
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 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 Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
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.
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.