Chief, Rare Book and Special Collections Division

The Special Collections Directorate seeks a creative, collaborative, and service-oriented leader to serve as Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, one of the foremost rare book and special collections repositories in the United States currently comprising nearly 1 million books, broadsides, pamphlets, theater playbills, title pages, prints, posters, photographs, and medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. The Division's holdings encompass nearly all eras and subjects, with a multitude of strengths including 15th-century printing, history of science, Americana, and the American Book Arts. Notable collections include the Thomas Jefferson Library, the Rosenwald Collection, and the Aramont Library.

The Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division (RBSCD) provides vision and leadership for the development, stewardship, interpretation, promotion, and service of the rare books and special collections under its purview to meet the needs of government officials, scholars, and all users who request information or seek access to those collections and services. Under the Chief’s general direction, the Division’s primary role is to expand access to, enhance the research value and use of, and promote public engagement with the Library’s rare books and special collections in support of the Library’s mission of connecting with all Americans. The Chief is responsible for directing the activities of the Division and related external activities, supervising Division staff, fostering collaboration with colleagues in the agency and the broader community, and cultivating relations with potential donors to support and advance the work of the Division. The Chief serves as a leader in the field of rare books and special collections and represents the Library at national and international meetings, events, and programs, especially those related to the Division’s collections.

Exercises overall responsibility, as well as delegated authority, for oversight and administration of broad, emerging, and critical Library of Congress programs and operations. Responsible for directing and managing the Rare Book and Special Collections Division to efficiently accomplish specified goals and objectives outlined in the Library's strategic plan. Evaluates current and proposed programs and operations and takes actions to initiate, modify, or cancel projects in accord with the service unit's directional plan and performance budget.

Establishes performance expectations for a group of staff members performing work up to the GS-14 level. Performs the full range of human resource management functions related to directly and indirectly supervised staff. Sets and clearly communicates performance expectations for staff and oversees performance management principles in accord with Library regulations, procedures and collective bargaining agreements. Provides informal feedback and periodically assesses staff on organizational performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances and takes necessary personnel actions. Provides advice and counsel to staff and subordinate managers on work and policy matters.

Develops, conceives, plans, and implements policies and guidelines affecting broad, emerging, and/or critical agency programs. Translates new legislation and/or Library strategic goals into program goals, actions, and policies, interpreting the impact of a new legislative or strategic planning requirements on agency programs. Recognized as an agency authority in formulating new policies and program objectives that have a broad or long-range impact on the Library, as well as the subject fields under the purview of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high-level managers and officials, including Members of Congress and their staff, other legislative and executive agencies, members of the Madison Council, prospective donors, and distinguished members of the public including scholars, to advance the mission of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and the mission of the Library of Congress, furthering its strategic goals.

Serves as primary agency advisor on collections, services, programs, and events of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division. Counsels senior management staff and officials at multiple levels of the Library of Congress, including senior staff of the Library Collections and Services Group, the Researcher and Collection Services Service Unit, the Special Collections Directorate, the Congressional Relations Office, the Center for Literacy, Learning, and Engagement, the Center for Exhibits and Interpretation, and Library Development.