The Section Research Manager leads a team of policy analysts conducting policy research and analysis for Congress. The section covers a broad range of public policy issues in both a government-wide and agency-specific context, with an emphasis on congressional oversight and the effects of proposed legislation. These issues are often related to the field of public administration, but are addressed from a broader public policy perspective. These include, but are not limited to matters regarding presidential powers; the federal workforce; the regulatory process; the federal budget; federal financial management; and federal information policy. The section’s crosscutting portfolio provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across CRS.
The ideal candidate will possess an intellectual curiosity about the processes and procedures of the federal government; a familiarity with the role of OMB, OPM, and other agencies in organization and management of the federal government; and a deeper subject knowledge of one of the areas covered by the section. Candidates with research and research management experience in issues covered by the section and who have strong interpersonal skills and are capable of leading a highly motivated and talented research staff committed to providing Congress the highest level of nonpartisan, authoritative, objective policy analysis are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in writing, research, and analysis, and knowledge of congressional decision making and legislative process is desired.
Duties include:
• Managing and supervising policy analysts, including communicating performance standards and expectations to staff, observing staff performance, giving feedback, and assessing performance;
• Ensuring that the work results in objective, authoritative analysis with which the Congress can assess the consequences of legislative/policy options;
• Proactively establishing relationships with committees of jurisdiction, building long-term relationships with clients, and taking initiative to seek out new congressional contacts for CRS;
• Managing congressional requests, concerns, and needs in policy areas within the research management responsibility of the section;
• Collaborating with other managers to ensure an integrative approach to the work by fully identifying significant policy problems facing the Congress, developing analytical approaches to address these problems, and applying appropriate resources; and
• Performing special assignments as directed by the Assistant/Deputy Assistant Director.
Directly supervises 10-12 staff members in the section and advises the Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director. Leads staff toward meeting the Library’s and CRS’s vision, mission, and goals by managing performance, communicating effectively, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, building and maintaining relationships, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, thinking systematically and inspiring change. Exhibits commitment to the Library’s Supervisor Core Competencies.
Ensures that research and analysis is conducted in a fully collaborative manner both within and outside the section, reflects the congressional agenda, and is relevant to congressional policy making. Leads, plans, organizes and coordinates research, including major research projects related to sensitive or complex public policies of national or international significance, which are often multidisciplinary in nature. Ensures that research and analysis undertaken is of the highest quality and meets CRS's standards of objectivity, responsiveness, non-partisanship, balance, timeliness, legislative relevance, authoritativeness, and accessibility. Reviews research to ensure that it complements other Service research and analyses; is accurate, well organized, and cogent; meets professional and service standards; adheres to CRS policy guidelines; and is responsive to the legislative needs of Members and committees of Congress. Establishes and maintains relationships with Members and committees of Congress.
Contributes to and assists in developing CRS-wide strategic goals and priorities. Communicates those goals and priorities to staff. Oversees the implementation of CRS-wide policies, procedures, standards and guidelines by staff. Effectively communicates management initiatives to staff and ensures that staff are able to acclimate to the changing needs of Congress and the CRS research community. Conveys to senior management information and concerns from staff.
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for over a century.
