Congressional Relations Specialist

Summary

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.

Duties

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Office of the Counselor to the Director (COU) is seeking a Congressional Relations Specialist to join the Congressional Services Section. The Congressional Services Section manages CRS's intake, assignment, and tracking of requests from the United States Congress for research, information, and analysis. As the Congressional Relations Specialist, you will: Assist Members of Congress and their office and committee staff with daily requests for analysis, research, and information and will be responsible for the first line of routine troubleshooting for congressional clients using CRS's website. Conduct in-depth reference interviews with congressional clients, enter and track client requests in CRS's client relationship management system, utilize and assist in maintaining the currency of a wide range of online and print tools and other authoritative information used in request assignment, and assist with a range of congressional outreach activities. Develop and maintain effective internal and external client relationships and to provide a positive image of CRS through use of client services practices. Be responsible for intake, assignment, and tracking of daily requests from Members of Congress and their office and committee staff for research, information, and analysis. This includes monitoring CRS's call management system and other technologies to assist in providing adequate coverage of incoming requests. Conduct in-depth reference interviews with congressional clients, evaluating and analyzing the facts bearing on clients' requests to determine the most accurate and effective formulation of each request. Enter and track requests in CRS's client relationship management system and utilize a wide range of electronic tools and information to ensure correct assignment of requests to CRS analysts and information professionals for response. Assist with orientations for congressional staff and training sessions for CRS staff on CRS's website and electronic tools and conducts routine troubleshooting for clients using the website and these tools. Assist with the construction of advanced searches and creation of targeted marketing emails and collaborate with intra- and interdivisional stakeholders to maintain authoritative congressional data. Develop and maintain effective internal and external client relationships and provide a positive image of CRS through use of client services practices. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing nonpartisan, authoritative, timely, policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on legal and public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 315417. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a fixed work schedule 9:30am – 6:00pm. The tour of duty for this position is full-time. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

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 conduct reference interviews. ** Knowledge of the organization and processes of the U.S. Congress. ** Ability to apply knowledge of public policy issues. ** Ability to perform client services and outreach activities. ** Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to utilize information technology and online systems. Ability to interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.