This position is located in the Office of Communications Section, Office Communications & External Relations Division, Office of Communications, Outreach and Ext Directorate, Office of The Librarian. The position description number for this position is 359764. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
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 principles, methods and techniques.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to interact collaboratively with others to produce written products.** Knowledge of the principles and techniques of editing. Ability to utilize computer technology/software applications. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
The Office of Communications ensures that the image and information about the Library is accurate and reflects the mission of the organization. It fosters and increases public awareness of the Library, defines and targets audiences for its public affairs programs, and assesses the effectiveness of those programs. The public affairs specialist has primary responsibility for management of all editorial and production aspects of the weekly Gazette, the Library’s principal platform for communicating with its employees. The Gazette serves as a Library-wide source of authoritative information about Library missions, policies, priorities, programs, collections, events and fiscal and administrative matters. Additional duties include producing and editing material for other Office of Communications platforms, such as the Library’s bimonthly magazine, LCM, and the main Library blog, Timeless. The specialist reports to the chief of publications and the director of communications. The specialist serves as managing editor of the weekly Gazette. Manages all aspects of the publication; conceives ideas for compelling and relevant stories about the institution’s activities; collaborates with senior-level managers and service unit officials on strategies to explain Library missions, programs, goals and priorities; and initiates long-range plans for editorial content that reflect the Library’s overall objectives and the needs of the Gazette’s audiences. The specialist ensures that content is appropriate, authoritative, timely and informative. Maintains a network of contributors from across the institution; makes photo and story assignments; and coordinates the work of writers, photographers and designers. Manages production of each issue, developing production schedules, using advanced technologies and processes; oversees layout and design to ensure professional appearance of the publication; and manages timely distribution to Library audiences and appropriate archiving. Serves as an authority on writing, editing, style and Gazette publishing practices for the Library and as a liaison to its workforce. Independently prepares in-depth writing for multiple communications outlets, primarily the Gazette but also LCM and the Library’s main blog. Researches, reports, analyzes and writes material that authoritatively explains often complex and potentially controversial policies, programs and issues to a diverse audience that includes the public, the Library’s workforce, Congress and others. Reports and writes creative, feature-length material that represents the Library’s many disciplines, collections, programs and events, such as concerts, exhibits, forums and more. Collaborates with subject matter experts and senior leadership around the Library to develop authoritative material on Library policies, budgets, programs, events and collections. Conducts a broad range of extensive research to develop detailed written products; identifies Library sources, resources and subject matter experts, working with them to finalize stories and ensure the accuracy of products and materials. Solicits relevant submissions from contributors and evaluates the suitability of materials for publication in the Gazette and other platforms. Selects for publication those materials that fall within the scope of the publication’s purpose and meet standards for the quality and timeliness of the work. For subject matter that falls within that scope, works with contributors to ensure submissions meet publication requirements. Recognizes potentially controversial information, complications and discrepancies and resolves conflicts, often performing extensive rewriting, reorganizing and editing to ensure that the final product meets Library standards. Edits submitted materials for grammar and style, manner of presentation, clarity, balance, coverage, completeness, accuracy, interest, emphasis, method and development of facts and overall tone. Selects illustrations, including photographs, computer graphics, maps, charts and cartoons, as well as other design elements.