Assistant Chief (Music Division)

Library of CongressWashington, District of Columbiausajobspublished 10/05/2026
Must-have:LeadPrincipal

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.

Major duties

This position is located in the Special Collections Directorate (SCD), Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position reports to the Chief of the Music Division and is responsible for the custody and service of the Library's collections of music, theater and dance, including rare materials, manuscripts, microfilms, serials, librettos, music in digital formats, and prints, photographs, musical instruments, and other works of musical iconography. Under the Chief, the incumbent supervises and manages all activities of the Division, including the acquisition and processing of collections, reference services, bibliographic access, digital projects, and administration. Candidates with an MLIS or equivalent degree are strongly encouraged to apply. As the Assistant Chief (Music Division), you will: Oversee the Library's specialized music collection, which fulfills the mission of the agency, and of specialized archival and current library collections preserving national history. Have responsibility as well as delegated authority for the oversight and administration of the Music Division, including responsibility for reading room management, collections management, outreach, and scholarly research. Develop the strategic plan for the division to include collections management, outreach programs, augmenting the digital collection, providing authoritative research on specialized topics of the division, and elevating the profile of the division. Supervise a group of employees performing work up to the GS-14 level. Plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short-term priorities, and prepare schedules for completion of work; assign work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Establish guidelines and performance expectations for staff and clearly communicate these through the formal employee performance management system. Maintain necessary liaison with officers of other divisions and units of the Library. Through contacts with individuals, foundations, and corporations, identify donors, develop fundraising and outreach initiatives for the processing, care, research, exhibition, acquisition and publication of the collections, and for the presentation of public programs. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 432783. The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will 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. Ability to supervise, develop and lead a workforce. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science. Knowledge of the history, theory, and literature of music. Ability to lead, plan, coordinate, and manage programs and projects. ** Ability to plan and carry out library and archival programs in an automated environment. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds in order to provide consultation or liaison services. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education. A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree; or B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services. You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application. Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library's vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library's Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: Supervisor Core Competencies Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.