Deputy Assistant Director

About the role

The CRS Domestic Social Policy Division (DSP) seeks a senior manager to serve as Deputy Assistant Director and Specialist. The selectee will support the Assistant Director in managing DSP, which provides expert research to meet ongoing congressional policy making and oversight needs on issues such as health policy, education, labor, income support, immigration, criminal justice and child and family well-being. The competencies below are required for this position. Those marked with a double asterisk (**) are considered the most critical competencies for this position. A candidate's resume must show a proven record of accomplishment that clearly demonstrates he or she has: 1. Multidisciplinary knowledge of domestic social policy**: The successful candidate has multidisciplinary knowledge of the theories, laws and regulations, concepts, processes, methodologies, principles, and/or practices related to domestic social policy issues that emerge from the legislative and oversight work of the Congress. This includes knowledge of the history, trends, interrelationships, and current status of domestic social policy issues. 2. Ability to manage and execute public policy research and analysis**: The successful candidate has the ability to manage, organize, and evaluate the analysis of public policy issues by applying broad knowledge of domestic social policy. This includes ensuring public policy problems are appropriately conceptualized and defined; appropriate research approaches and frameworks, analytical methodologies, and techniques are utilized; information and research are fully analyzed and synthesized; the implications of data and research findings are identified and appropriate conclusions are drawn; alternatives are generated and assessed; and the consequences of choosing each alternative are evaluated. This also includes understanding the big picture, the inter-relationships of all aspects of the public policy issue, and the appropriate array and design of products and services to meet client needs. 3. Ability to lead people and manage a workforce**: The successful candidate manages and promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Conducts workforce- planning activities by identifying staffing needs and recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and mentoring highly qualified, staff to meet those needs. Ensures tasks are appropriately delegated and completed by monitoring and evaluating performance against a predetermined deadline and/or measure of quality. 4. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion**: The successful candidate demonstrates awareness of the likely consequences or implications of one's own actions and work within the context of agency/ organizational/departmental standards. Acts appropriately in a given situation (e.g., with colleagues, clients, media/press), using discretion, and being committed to confidentiality. 5. Ability to communicate in writing and assess the quality of products and services**: The successful candidate has the ability to write, review, and oversee the production of a variety of clear, cogent, accurate, and well-organized products. This includes evaluating the content, organization, and relevance of a range of products and services to meet the quality standards of a public policy organization. Ensures that products and services are substantively correct, and meet CRS's core values of objectivity, nonpartisanship, authoritativeness, and timeliness. Makes suggestions for improvement. 6. Ability to think strategically and implement change: The successful candidate implements a strategic vision and direction for an organization or group and effects change. This includes evaluating interdependencies and interrelationships among functions and resources and outcomes and ensuring performance targets are met. This also includes championing ideas that promote the mission with enthusiasm, conviction, and assertiveness; gaining support and commitment from others; and motivating and inspiring others. 7. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing: The successful candidate effectively expresses ideas and recommendations other than in writing in various settings to peers, staff, managers, supervisors, and external audiences to both provide and seek information. This includes actively listening to or understanding communicated information and answering questions thoughtfully and completely.