The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Section Research Manager for the Banking, Insurance, Securities and Macroeconomics Policy Section in the Government and Finance Division. The Research Manager oversees and facilitates the Section’s public policy research and analysis in support of congressional oversight and legislative activities related to the regulation of the financial system and economic policy.
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 banking, insurance, securities, and macroeconomic policy** Ability to manage research** Ability to review the analysis of others** Ability to lead and manage staff Ability to communicate in writing Knowledge of congressional decision making Ability to collaborate Ability to build relationships Ability to exercise judgment and discretion Ability to convey information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing
The Section Research Manager is a unique position in a fast paced, client-focused policy environment. The individual leads a team of policy analysts in the delivery of nonpartisan, authoritative, and objective research and analysis for Congress. The section’s work includes delivering responses to questions of interest to congressional clients with timely consultations, seminars, and various written analyses. The section covers a broad array of financial and economic issues including banking, capital markets, securities, consumer finance, housing finance, financial institutions, insurance, macroeconomics, and monetary policy. This work intersects with many related areas including economic development, energy, labor, and trade. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to manage and review a highly motivated and talented research staff in a collaborative, interdisciplinary policy environment. The candidate should have an intellectual curiosity about financial and economic issues, a deeper subject knowledge in one of the areas covered by the section, and the ability to explain complex policy issues to professionals with varying levels of experience. Candidates who have managed research on issues covered by the Section, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to lead a committed research staff are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in writing, research, and policy analysis, and knowledge of congressional decision making and legislative process is desired. The Research Manager 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; 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. The Research Manager directly supervises 10-12 staff members in the Section. The Research Manager 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 and 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.