This position is located in the Collections Division, Natl Library Srvc Blind/Print Disabled, Library Collections and Services Group. The position description number for this position is 463319. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
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 product life cycle management.** Ability to create product development strategy plans for the development of products.** Ability to create plans for the deployment of products for delivery.** Ability to provide management and contractor oversight for product development projects.** Ability to lead strategic planning, program analysis, and problem solving. Knowledge of braille, talking books and related products and services. Ability to interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
The position serves as a Product Manager/Product Owner in the Collections Division (CD), National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position reports directly to the Chief, Collections Division. Carries out duties and responsibilities for the acquisition, development, and life cycle management of the NLS workflow system for the production and delivery of materials created for the NLS braille and talking book program. Plans, obtains, and manages the full product life cycle (design, development, production, operations, maintenance, disposal, and replacement); and coordinates with other NLS divisions, Library of Congress (LoC) program offices and external stakeholders. Responsible for management of data and processes used in design, production, deployment, and support of NLS workflow system for the production and delivery of materials created for the NLS braille and talking book program. Creates product development and product deployment project plans and schedules; estimates resource requirements; defines milestones and deliverables; monitors project activities; and evaluates project progress. Coordinates the work efforts of subject matter experts and technical specialists charged with the development of products for delivery of the NLS braille and talking book programs in accordance with established timelines. As a Product Owner and leads, facilitates, and chairs meetings including requirements analysis, specification development, preliminary and critical design reviews, and system integration tests. Transforms high level stakeholder and business requirements into detailed product requirements and specifications. Responsible for the creation and review of formal product development documentation, including but not limited to Project Budgets, Contracting/Procurement packages (Statements of Work, etc.), Integration Plans, Requirement Specifications, Scoping Documents, Project Directives, Project Plans, Feasibility Studies, Cost Justifications, Economic Analyses and Alpha and Beta Test and Acceptance Procedures. As a Product Owner and creates plans for the deployment NLS workflow system for production and delivery of materials created for the NLS braille and talking book program. Coordinates the work efforts of subject matter experts and technical specialists charged with the deployment and sustainment the NLS workflow system for delivery of the NLS braille and talking book programs in accordance with established timelines. Responsible for the creation and review of formal product deployment documentation, including but not limited to Deployment Plans, Communications Plans, Training Plans, Implementation Plans, and Project Schedules. Plans, directs, and coordinates pilot projects and field tests of new program delivery products in anticipation of release to the greater patron population. Plans and directs the data collection for pilot/field test results and prepares reports to document findings/outcomes. Uses quantitative and qualitative analytic techniques for evaluation of product effectiveness/efficiency, identification of deficiencies and recommendations for modifications/enhancements. Provides advice and guidance and/or renders decisions on specific problems identified. Develops and institutes product metrics to measure and evaluate product performance, identify problems, and implement corrective action. Provides guidance in the resolution of unique or unprecedented deployment issues and the selection of alternatives. Communicates effectively in writing and in person-to-person contacts to transmit critical information to various levels of technical, professional, management and administrative personnel. Initiates contact and provides expert technical advice and direction to contractor professionals on product development issues and requirements. Reviews and provides oversight of the requirements for contractual support for product development, operations, and maintenance. Reviews and develops statements of work, acquisition packages, market research reports, contract solicitations and coordinates with contracting officers to ensure all Collections Division contracts are issued in a timely manner. Participates as necessary in the evaluation and selection process of proposals submitted in response to contract solicitations. Serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and keeps the Contracting Officer informed on progress, proposed contract modifications, validity of claims, analysis of proposals, approval of invoices and assessment of contract time extensions. Monitors contractor progress and ensures invoices reflect service and work performed. Maintains regular contact with contractors for status reports, discussion, and resolution of technical and/or operational problems. Performs additional oversight of contract product development work.