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NARA seeks Assistant Archivist for Regional Records Services
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
National Archives and Records Administration
VACANCY No.: SES01-01
OPEN DATE: 2-21-01
CLOSING DATE: 4-23-01
Senior Executive Service Position
Position: Assistant Archivist for Regional Records Services
Organization: National Archives and Records Administration, Office of Regional
Records Services
Duty Station: College Park, MD (relocation expenses will be paid)
Area of Consideration: All qualified applicants
Salary: $120,261 - 133,700 (includes locality adjustment)
NARA's Mission: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), an
independent Federal agency, is at the forefront in fields from document
preservation to electronic records. Exciting developments in these fields,
along with NARA's growing leadership in information technologies, make it a
vital and interesting place to work. By ensuring ready access to essential
evidence - documentation from all three branches of the Federal Government
of the rights and entitlements of citizens, the actions for which Federal
officials are accountable, and the national experience - NARA is uniquely
important in a democratic system that depends upon the preservation and
availability of such documentation.
At more than thirty sites across the country - regional archives and records
services facilities, Presidential libraries, and three major buildings in the
Washington, DC, area - NARA safeguards and makes available millions of records
in a variety of media ranging from our Declaration of Independence and
Constitution to a rapidly increasing number of modern electronic files. NARA
each year welcomes to its exhibits nearly two million visitors and serves the
needs of thousands of researchers. NARA assists Federal agencies in documenting
their activities; publishes the Federal Register and other official documents;
oversees Federal declassification policies; and makes grants supporting
initiatives to document American history.
About us: The headquarters site for the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) is a new, state-of-the-art building in suburban Maryland.
Adjoining the campus of the University of Maryland, NARA's building is
located in a wooded area that offers both beauty and privacy yet has convenient
access to urban amenities and to the Beltway. Pleasant working conditions, the
latest in equipment, a full-service cafeteria, a fitness center, free parking,
a jogging path, a childcare center - NARA's building has the kinds of features
that attract new employees today.
Major Duties:
- Serves as head of the Office of Regional Records Services, which includes a
central office staff in College Park, MD; nine regions across the country; and
the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. Each region includes
one or more records services facilities - regional archives, records centers, or
a combined facility and has operational records management, records center
storage, and archives programs.
- Directs comprehensive programs for the appraisal, accessioning, storage,
servicing, and disposal of Federal records of agencies outside the Washington,
DC area.
- Develops and maintains relationships with U.S. District and Appeals Courts and
with field offices of executive agencies to improve records management practices
and promote targeted assistance.
- Implements policies and procedures for the efficient and economical operation
of facilities for the storage and servicing of records. Allocates and manages
records storage space for all Federal records outside the Washington, DC area.
Oversees business process improvement or reengineering projects to improve
management efficiency and customer service.
- NARA's records center program is funded by reimbursement from other Federal
agencies. Negotiates agreements to provide reimbursable services on a nationwide
basis or to multiple field locations.
- Develops and implements programs and standards for affiliated archives,
negotiates agreements for the deposit of records in the legal custody of NARA
with public or educational institutions or associations, and oversees
inspections of such records.
- Plans and directs outreach and exhibit programs to publicize the office's
resources and services.
- Supervises a staff of more than 1,300 archivists, archives specialists and
technicians, and support personnel located throughout the United States.
- Ensures that staffing, financial, and other resources are effectively used to
maximize productivity. Collaborates with other NARA officials to ensure that
information technology, human resources, facilities management and other
services are used effectively.
- This position requires frequent travel to regional facilities throughout the
United States.
Qualifications Required: Entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) requires
demonstrated executive experience in all five of the Executive Core
Qualifications (ECQ) listed below. Applicants must also meet the
professional/technical qualifications. Experience must be at a level of
difficulty and responsibility comparable to the GS-15 level in the Federal
service.
If you are selected for initial appointment to the SES, your qualifications must
be certified by a Qualifications Review Board (QRB) at the Office of Personnel
Management. The QRB will review your ECQs to ensure you meet the qualifications
for entry into the SES.
This position is critical-sensitive. You may be required to undergo a background
investigation before appointment.
You must complete a 1-year probationary period if you have not previously
completed a probationary appointment in the SES.
How to apply: Please provide the following:
- A resume, Optional Form 612, "Optional Application for Federal Employment",
Standard Form 171, "Application for Federal Employment", or any other format.
Your application should thoroughly describe experience, education and
accomplishments that show your qualifications for this position. For each
period of experience, include: dates covered; name and address of employer;
supervisor's name and telephone number; grade or salary level; and number
of employees supervised.
- A narrative statement that describes your experience, education, and
accomplishments as they relate to (1) each of the Executive Core Qualifications,
and (2) the professional/technical qualifications. Clear, concise examples that
show the level of accomplishment and degree of responsibility should be provided
for each factor. Additional information on the SES and how to address
qualifications can be found on the following web site:
http://www.opm.gov/ses/index.html
If you are currently on a career SES appointment you are not required to submit
a narrative ECQ statement. If you are a graduate of an OPM approved SES
Candidate Development Program you should submit evidence that you completed the
program in lieu of a narrative ECQ statement.
Send your application to:
National Archives at College Park
Human Resources Services Division (NHH)
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Applications must be received or post-marked by the closing date.
For additional information, call (301) 713-6760.
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Program management -- Demonstrated knowledge of and professional experience
in applying the principles, concepts, practices, and methods of program
management in more than one of the following areas: records management,
archival administration, records center operations, or operation of a
reimbursable or fee-for-service program.
2. Business Management -- Demonstrated knowledge of management principles to
plan, organize, direct, implement, evaluate, and lead diverse teams comprised of
technical and administrative personnel. Ability to achieve desired results
through effective management of the fiscal, budgetary, and human resources of a
highly complex program of broad scope; to envision desired program outcomes; and
anticipate and proactively adapt to changing business conditions.
3. Customer service -- Demonstrated ability to develop, establish, and sustain
a customer service program tailored to customer needs and achieve a high level
of customer satisfaction. Ability to direct a customer service program, target
customers, design programs and services to meet customer needs, work effectively
with customers, and oversee program operations.
4. Communications -- Demonstrated ability to serve as spokesperson for an
organization and to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to staff,
management officials, and customers. Ability to network with a broad
and diverse constituency of individuals with conflicting agendas and to develop
alliances with external groups such as other Federal agencies, professional
organizations, and competitors.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Leading Change -- The ability to develop and implement an organizational
vision which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and
other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--
to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within
the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages
creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under
adversity.
Key Characteristics:
a. Exercising leadership and motivating managers to incorporate vision,
strategic planning, and elements of quality management into the full range of
the organization's activities; encouraging creative thinking and innovation;
influencing others toward a spirit of service; designing and implementing new or
cutting edge programs/processes.
b. Identifying and integrating key issues affecting the organization,
including political, economic, social, technological, and administrative
factors.
c. Understanding the roles and relationships of the components of the
national policy making and implementation process, including the President,
political appointees, Congress, the judiciary, state and local governments, and
interest groups; and formulating effective strategies to balance those interests
consistent with the business of the organization.
d. Being open to change and new information; tolerating ambiguity; adapting
behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions,
or unexpected obstacles; adjusting rapidly to new situations warranting
attention and resolution.
e. Displaying a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment to public
service; being proactive and achievement-oriented; being self-motivated;
pursuing self-development; seeking feedback from others and opportunities to
master new knowledge.
f. Dealing effectively with pressure; maintaining focus and intensity and
remaining persistent, even under adversity; recovering quickly from setbacks.
2. Leading People -- The ability to design and implement strategies which
maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the
organization's vision, mission, and goals.
Key Characteristics:
a. Providing leadership in setting the workforce's expected performance
levels commensurate with the organization's strategic objectives; inspiring,
motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishment; empowering people by
sharing power and authority.
b. Promoting quality through effective use of the organization's performance
management system (e.g., establishing performance standards, appraising staff
accomplishments using the developed standards, and taking action to reward,
counsel, or remove employees, as appropriate).
c. Valuing cultural diversity and other differences; fostering an environment
where people who are culturally diverse can work together cooperatively and
effectively in achieving organizational goals.
d. Assessing employees' unique developmental needs and providing
developmental opportunities which maximize employees' capabilities and
contribute to the achievement of organizational goals; developing leadership in
others through coaching and mentoring.
e. Fostering commitment, team spirit, pride, trust, and group identity;
taking steps to prevent situations that could result in unpleasant
confrontations.
f. Resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; this includes
promoting labor/management partnerships and dealing effectively with employee
relations matters, attending to morale and organizational climate issues,
handling administrative, labor management, and EEO issues, and taking
disciplinary actions when other means have not been successful.
3. Results Driven -- This core qualification stresses accountability and
continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective
decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation
and evaluation of programs and policies.
Key Characteristics:
a. Understanding and appropriately applying procedures, requirements,
regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise; understanding
linkages between administrative competencies and mission needs; keeping current
on issues, practices, and procedures in technical areas.
b. Stressing results by formulating strategic program plans which assess
policy/program feasibility and include realistic short- and long-term goals and
objectives.
c. Exercising good judgment in structuring and organizing work and setting
priorities; balancing the interests of clients and readily readjusting
priorities to respond to customer demands.
d. Anticipating and identifying, diagnosing, and consulting on potential or
actual problem areas relating to program implementation and goal achievement;
selecting from alternative courses of corrective action, and taking action from
developed contingency plans.
e. Setting program standards; holding self and others accountable for
achieving these standards; acting decisively to modify them to promote customer
service and/or the quality of programs and policies.
f. Identifying opportunities to develop and market new products and services
within or outside of the organization; taking risks to pursue a recognized
benefit or advantage.
4. Business Acumen -- The ability to acquire and administer human, financial,
material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and
accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance
decision making.
Key Characteristics:
a. Assessing current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals
and budget realities. Applying merit principles to develop, select, and manage a
diverse workforce.
b. Overseeing the allocation of financial resources; identifying cost-
effective approaches; establishing and assuring the use of internal controls for
financial systems.
c. Managing the budgetary process, including preparing and justifying a
budget and operating the budget under organizational and Congressional
procedures; understanding the marketing expertise necessary to ensure
appropriate funding levels.
d. Overseeing procurement and contracting procedures and processes.
e. Integrating and coordinating logistical operations
f. Ensuring the efficient and cost-effective development and utilization of
management information systems and other technological resources that meet the
organization's needs; understanding the impact of technological changes on the
organization.
5. Building Coalitions/Communication -- The ability to explain, advocate and
express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals
and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an
expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the
internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
Key Characteristics:
a. Representing and speaking for the organizational unit and its work (e.g.,
presenting, explaining, selling, defining, and negotiating) to those within and
outside the office (e.g., agency heads and other Government executives;
corporate executives; Office of Management and Budget officials; Congressional
members and staff; the media; clientele and professional groups); making clear
and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups; listening
effectively and clarifying information; facilitating an open exchange of ideas.
b. Establishing and maintaining working relationships with internal
organizational units (e.g., other program areas and staff support functions);
approaching each problem situation with a clear perception of organizational
and political reality; using contacts to build and strengthen internal support
bases; getting understanding and support from higher level management.
c. Developing and enhancing alliances with external groups (e.g., other
agencies or firms, state and local governments, Congress, and clientele
groups); engaging in cross-functional activities; finding common ground with a
widening range of stakeholders.
d. Working in groups and teams; conducting briefings and other meetings;
gaining cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals;
facilitating "win-win" situations.
e. Considering and responding appropriately to the needs, feelings, and
capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful and treats
others with respect.
f. Seeing that reports, memoranda, and other documents reflect the position
and work of the organization in a clear, convincing, and organized manner.
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