Leadership Opportunity: Assistant Chief of the Music Division at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is seeking a visionary leader to fill the role of Assistant Chief of the Music Division. If you possess a deep passion for music history, library science, and organizational leadership, this position offers the chance to manage one of the world's most significant collections of musical iconography, manuscripts, and digital archives. Located in Washington, D.C., you will play a critical role in preserving the American cultural legacy.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will assist the Chief in the daily operations of the Music Division. Core duties include:

Managing the custody of rare musical materials and current collections.
Supervising staff and setting short-term priorities for division projects.
Overseeing reading room management and bibliographic access.
Developing fundraising and donor outreach strategies to support collection growth.
Leading digital initiatives to expand access to the Library's resources.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must satisfy specific professional and educational criteria. Below is a comparison of required vs. preferred assets:

Feature	Requirement	Preferred
Education	Graduate study in Library Science + Bachelor's	MLIS or equivalent degree
Experience	Proven leadership and subject matter expertise	Fundraising and archival experience
Documentation	Official/Unofficial transcripts required	NACES/AICE foreign credential report
Security	Must pass federal background check	-

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $169,279 – $197,200 per year.
Work Schedule: Flexitime.
Support: Potential eligibility for federal student loan repayment programs, subject to service unit approval.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your narrative directly addresses the core competencies mentioned in the announcement.
Consolidate Files: Do not upload multiple individual files of the same type; merge them into one document.
Early Submission: Technical issues can occur; avoid waiting until the final hours on the closing date of October 20, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this role is based in Washington, D.C.
Q: What if I have a foreign degree? A: You must provide a formal evaluation from an organization such as NACES to ensure equivalency.

Serving as the Assistant Chief of the Music Division is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the preservation of human creativity. Apply today to contribute your expertise to a landmark institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge.

Why This Assistant Chief (Music Division) Job Matters

Lead the harmony of history and innovation as the next Assistant Chief of the Music Division at the world’s largest library.

Assistant Chief (Music Division) Job Overview

The Library of Congress invites applications for the prestigious role of Assistant Chief within the Music Division. Based in Washington, D.C., this leadership position involves overseeing one of the world's most significant music collections. You will manage diverse archival and current library operations, drive digital preservation strategies, and foster scholarly outreach. This is a vital opportunity to shape the future of musicology, theater, and dance documentation while guiding a dedicated team within the nation's premier federal cultural institution.

Requirements for Assistant Chief (Music Division)

Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in addition to a bachelor's degree, or a total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience.
Submission of legible college/university transcripts.
Proof of foreign education equivalency if the degree was earned outside the United States.
Ability to supervise, develop, and lead a workforce.
Demonstrated knowledge of the history, theory, and literature of music.
Successful passing of a personnel security/suitability investigation.
Compliance with federal drug-free workplace policies.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Chief (Music Division)

Advanced degree in library science (MLIS or equivalent).
Proven experience in managing library or archival programs within an automated environment.
Strong background in fundraising and donor relations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information effectively, both in writing and through professional liaison services.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range
✓Flexible work schedule (Flexitime)
✓Opportunities for student loan repayment programs
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Contribution to national heritage and scholarly research

💡 How to Apply Assistant Chief (Music Division) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Chief (Music Division) Job

Create or update your professional resume on USAJOBS.
Review the full vacancy announcement and preview the assessment questions.
Click 'Apply Online' to be redirected to the Library of Congress Hiring Management portal.
Complete eligibility and assessment questions thoroughly.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, ensuring all files are consolidated where necessary.
Submit your final application before 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date of October 20, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Combine multiple documents of the same type (e.g., transcripts from different schools) into a single file before uploading.
Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) marked with a double asterisk in the announcement.
Check your application status via your 'My USAJOBS' account regularly.
Contact the provided email for technical issues well before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Assistant Chief of the Music Division?

The role centers on the custody and service of music, theater, and dance collections, including managing acquisitions, digital projects, reference services, and staff supervision.

Is this position eligible for relocation expenses?

Yes, relocation expenses will be authorized for the selected candidate.

Can I submit my application by mail or email?

No, all applications must be submitted through the online hiring management system as outlined in the vacancy announcement.

Job from Library Of Congress

The Library of Congress serves Congress and the American people by curating a universal collection of knowledge. With over 158 million items, including rare manuscripts, photographs, and sound recordings, the Library acts as a beacon for researchers, scholars, and the general public. As an Assistant Chief, you will operate within this vibrant environment, upholding the mission to inspire curiosity and spark imagination.