Advance Your Career at the Library of Congress: Program Specialist Opportunity

Are you looking for a role that combines administrative rigor with a passion for global scholarship? The Library of Congress is currently hiring a Program Specialist (Special Assistant) to support the Kluge Center in Washington, D.C. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of academic programming at the world's largest library.

Key Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist, you will wear many hats. Your core duties include:

Program Support: Assisting the Director of Scholarly Programs in coordinating symposia, conferences, and lectures.
Administrative Oversight: Managing financial documentation, grant proposals, and budgetary reviews.
Strategic Communication: Drafting high-level correspondence and analytical reports for executive leadership.
Policy Guidance: Interpreting federal legislation and guidelines to ensure organizational compliance.

Comparison of Role Impacts

Function	Impact Level	Goal
Program Coordination	High	Attracting scholars to utilize Library collections
Financial Oversight	High	Ensuring funding and budget efficiency
Strategic Planning	Medium	Monitoring implementation of the Library's goals

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills. You must be a U.S. citizen and clear a federal security investigation. Note that the Library maintains a strict drug-free policy, including the prohibition of marijuana, regardless of local state laws.

Salary and Benefits

This position is graded at the GS-13 level, with a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year, reflecting Washington D.C. locality pay. Benefits include federal health coverage, retirement plans, and the potential for student loan repayment.

Application Tips

Tailor your Resume: Focus on accomplishments related to program evaluation and financial management.
Consolidate Documents: Upload all related documents (like SF-50s) in one file to ensure the system reads them correctly.
Meet Deadlines: Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date.

The role of Program Specialist is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to the intellectual heritage of the United States. If you have the expertise and the drive, apply today to join the Library of Congress team.

Why This Program Specialist (Special Assistant) Job Matters

Join the intellectual pulse of the nation as a Program Specialist at the Library of Congress, where your administrative expertise will directly support the preservation and advancement of global scholarship.

Program Specialist (Special Assistant) Job Overview

The Library of Congress is seeking a highly skilled Program Specialist (Special Assistant) to join the Researcher and Collections Services, Kluge Center. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive program, administrative, and technical support to the Director of Scholarly Programs. This position is essential to the Library's mission, as you will help coordinate scholarly initiatives, symposia, and conferences that bridge the gap between world-class collections and the academic community. You will serve as a key liaison, managing complex communications, financial oversight, and project planning in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Requirements for Program Specialist (Special Assistant)

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must pass a personnel security and suitability investigation.
Strict adherence to federal drug-free workplace policies; illegal drug use, including marijuana, is prohibited.
Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze complex problems and provide actionable recommendations.
Experience in program management, evaluation, and oversight.
Competence in administrative and financial analysis related to academic programs.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist (Special Assistant)

Proven track record in managing scholarly or academic program operations.
Expertise in drafting complex correspondence, grant proposals, and budget documentation.
Advanced experience in interpreting federal legislation and policy directives.
Demonstrated ability to consult with high-level management and international academic organizations.
Experience in monitoring organizational strategic plans and operational efficiency.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustment
✓Opportunities for flextime scheduling
✓Access to comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
✓Potential for student loan repayment assistance (subject to service unit approval)
✓Professional environment at the world's oldest federal cultural institution

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist (Special Assistant) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist (Special Assistant) Job

Register for a USAJOBS account and create or update your professional resume.
Review the full vacancy announcement to understand the specific KSA evaluation criteria.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to be redirected to the Library's Hiring Management system.
Complete the eligibility and vacancy-specific questionnaires.
Upload all required documentation, including SF-50s for current/former federal employees and any relevant disability documentation.
Review your final application package for completeness and click 'Finish' to submit before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Customize your resume to specifically reflect the core competencies highlighted in the announcement.
Ensure all supporting documents (like transcripts or SF-50s) are merged into a single file before uploading to avoid system errors.
Check your application status regularly via the 'My USAJOBS' dashboard.
Contact the provided email address for technical support well before the closing date if you encounter issues.
Answer all assessment questions thoroughly, as these are the primary drivers for the initial screening process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is located in Washington, D.C., and is not listed as remote, though it is telework eligible.

Can I submit my application via email?

No, all applications must be submitted through the online Hiring Management portal linked within the USAJOBS announcement.

What is the expected duration of this role?

This is a Flexitime appointment that is Indefinite Not-to-Exceed (NTE) three years.

Job from Library Of Congress

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. It serves as the primary research arm of the U.S. Congress and a global repository of knowledge, containing over 158 million items. By working at the Library, you become part of an agency dedicated to preserving creativity and sparking imagination for the benefit of all Americans.