Public Affairs 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

This position is located in the Planning, Analysis, and Communications Office, Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG). The Planning, Analysis and Communications Office support LCSG's and the Library's mission by leading and/or coordinating initiatives that impact collections and services across multiple service units, including: leading LCSG's Directional Planning and communications programs, as well as providing cross-organization program assessment and analysis. The office facilitates the continued provision by the Library of vital services to various user groups; and contributes to LCSG and the Library's mission to build, describe, share, and steward a universal collection of knowledge that meets current and future needs of its users. As the Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Write, edit and design news releases, website content, and newspaper and magazine style pieces suitable for publication. Write and edit responses to Congressional questions, talking points, briefing materials, and other written materials for use or publication within and/or outside of the Library. Collaborate with communications staff within and outside of LCSG, as well as engage in direct, telephone or email contact with members of the media. Write briefing documents, news releases, articles or op-eds to be proposed for publication, and website material using a voice and terminology appropriate to the situation or the audience. Provide recommendations for new projects and shifts in program objectives. Analyze staff, public, and media reaction to the Library's programs and policies and develops strategies to let the Library establish, maintain and build on positive perception of its programs, policies, services and activities. Develop new ways to gather input from individuals and groups, some of which have conflicting views and interests. Manage multi-format outreach programs for a specific set of Library programs and issues, identifying opportunities to reach new audiences with information and content developed in consultation with various Library staff, and suggesting improvements for future programs as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 434263. The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. 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. Knowledge of communication and public affairs principles, methods, and techniques.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to develop and maintain relationships, interact collaboratively, and convey information through briefings, consultations, and other presentations.** Ability to research, analyze, evaluate, and make recommendations to improve program effectiveness. Ability to utilize computer technology/software applications. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.