General Counsel

Summary

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.

Duties

If selected, the incumbent serves as General Counsel of the IMLS. The incumbent will serve as the Counselor to the Director and Senior Policy Advisor. The incumbent renders advice to the Director, Deputies of the Offices of Museum and Library Services, and the management and staff of the IMLS. Typical work assignments will include but are not limited to the following: Represents the IMLS by presenting, to various audiences, the legal position of the agency; Renders legal opinions on behalf of the IMLS including interpretation of the IMLS' enabling legislation, conflicts of interests and ethics questions, constitutional issues, First Amendment issues, appropriations law, civil rights law, administrative law, contracts law, and other matters; Serves as the principal legal advisor to the Director, the National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB), and other IMLS officials; Serves as the Secretary of the presidentially appointed board; - Coordinating agency responsibilities under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA); Supervising subordinate attorney(s) and support staff within the Office of General Counsel; Serves as Designated Agency Ethics Official. Oversees office provision of ethics and Hatch Act guidance and training to agency staff, NMLSB members, and other stakeholders. Conducts or participates in discussions with Congressional Committee staff, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) officials, and other federal officials of private organizations, grantees, etc., concerning legal questions involved in projects or productions sponsored by the IMLS; Engages on legislation that best promotes the interests of museums and libraries and the IMLS. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). Your responses to the below MTQs must be incorporated into your two (2) page resume. It is recommended that the corresponding MTQs are annotated in parenthesis. Separate MTQ narratives will not be accepted or considered. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications below: TQ1: Demonstrated executive-level experience providing authoritative legal advice and counsel to senior agency officials on complex and sensitive matters involving Federal administrative law and the operations of a Federal agency. TQ2: Demonstrated executive-level experience directing or overseeing a comprehensive legal program and managing complex legal matters involving Federal programs, grants or financial assistance, regulatory or programmatic operations, and institutional risk. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQs.

Education

To qualify for this position of General Counsel, the incumbent must: Possess at least the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (if selected official copies of your transcripts will be requested prior to entry on duty); AND Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. State, a U.S. Commonwealth, or a U.S. territory.

How You Will Be Evaluated

The Office of Human Resources will review all applications to determine if applicants meet the mandatory professional/technical qualifications of this position and the SES ECQs. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members for rating and ranking to determine the "best qualified" candidates. The panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official about the top candidates that he/she should interview. Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by an OPM independent Qualifications Review Board, unless the selectee is a current SES executive or has successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume which must include the following information: announcement number and job title for which you are applying; beginning and ending dates (mo/yr) for paid or non-paid work experience; and average number of hours worked per week. Separate narrative statements addressing the five ECQs are mandatory for consideration for this position. Each ECQ factor must be incorporated in the resume. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10035309.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Two (2) page resume that contains your full name and contact information and addresses the MTQs listed under Qualifications; do not exceed the two (2) page limit. Separate MTQ's narratives will not be accepted or considered. It is recommended that the corresponding MTQs are annotated in parenthesis within your two (2) page resume. Mandatory Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) narrative statements, must be incorporated in the two (2) page resume. Do not include your date of birth or Social Security Number on application materials. 1. If you are a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your position, title, series, grade, and eligibility. If you are a current or former SES, you must submit a copy of your SF-50 showing your completion of the SES probationary period. If you are an SES Candidate Development Program Candidate and your ECQs have been approved by OPM, please provide certificate/document indicating OPM approval. 2. Other optional supporting documents: Cover Letter, College transcript(s), most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities Non-competitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13046852

What to Expect Next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The Office of Human Resources will review all applications to determine if applicants meet the mandatory professional/technical qualifications of this position and the SES ECQs. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members for rating and ranking to determine the "best qualified" candidates. The panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official about the top candidates that he/she should interview. Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by an OPM independent Qualifications Review Board, unless the selectee is a current SES executive or has successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Additional Information

A one-year probationary period must be served by the individual selected if not currently or previously in the career Senior Executive Service. Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure: The Institute of Museum and Library Services inspires public confidence in our work by maintaining high ethical principles. IMLS employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the IMLS Ethics website. We encourage you to review this information. This position requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report as a condition of employment. Financial Suitability: It is the policy of the government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. Veteran's Preference: Does not apply to the SES.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). Your responses to the below MTQs must be incorporated into your two (2) page resume. It is recommended that the corresponding MTQs are annotated in parenthesis. Separate MTQ narratives will not be accepted or considered. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications below: TQ1: Demonstrated executive-level experience providing authoritative legal advice and counsel to senior agency officials on complex and sensitive matters involving Federal administrative law and the operations of a Federal agency. TQ2: Demonstrated executive-level experience directing or overseeing a comprehensive legal program and managing complex legal matters involving Federal programs, grants or financial assistance, regulatory or programmatic operations, and institutional risk. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQs.