The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is seeking a Section Research Manager (SRM) for the Government Finance and Taxation Section within the Government and Finance Division. The Research Manager leads the Section’s public policy research and analysis in support of congressional oversight and legislative activity related to fiscal policy, taxation, the federal budget, and small business. The section’s portfolio is centered around some of the nation’s leading economic and policy issues.
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. Knowledge of public finance and taxation** Ability to manage research** Ability to review the analysis of others** Ability to lead and manage staff Ability to communicate in writing Ability to convey information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations Knowledge congressional decision making Ability to collaborate Ability to build professional relationships Ability to exercise judgment and discretion Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing
The Section Research Manager leads a team of policy analysts in the development of policy research and analysis for Congress. The section covers a broad range of public policy issues related to public finance and taxation. This includes, but is not limited to tax policy, the federal budget, debts and deficits, small business, and the impact of federal policies on state and local government finances, and the economy more widely. The section’s portfolio intersects with many related areas including economic development, housing, energy, education, health, the non-profit and charitable sector, and benefits to families and children. The section regularly collaborates with colleagues across CRS. The ideal candidate will possess an intellectual curiosity about public finance and taxation policy issues, the ability to explain complex economic issues to professionals with varying levels of formal economics training, and a deeper subject knowledge of one of the areas covered by the section. Candidates with 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 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 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 9-12 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 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 goals and priorities to staff. Oversees 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 analysis that is accurate, authoritative, confidential, objective and nonpartisan 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. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that ensures the Service is well positioned to anticipate and meet the information and analytical research needs of a 21st-century Congress.