This position is located in the Media Lab, Collections Division, National Library Service Blind/Print Disabled, Library Collections and Services Group. The position description number is 465561. The salary range reflects the locality pay for the Washington, D.C., Metro area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person 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. Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce.** Knowledge of multimedia production.** Knowledge of industry standard media production and post production methods and techniques.** Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to resolve production issues and problems. Ability to provide advice and guidance. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Supervises audio and tactile materials production staff performing work at GS-13 level and below. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit. Supervises the audio and tactile production of the section. Distributes and balances the workload among subordinates; solves complex problems that arise during the course of the work; reviews and assesses the quality and quantity of work products for adequacy and compliance with instructions and procedures. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes and works in the context of facilitative, project, and program management. Assigns and coordinates work; reviews progress revising work where necessary; provides supervision for assigned staff. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, observes workers’ performance, and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Recommends promotions and other forms of recognition. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Assures that subordinates are trained and fully comply with the provisions of the safety regulations. Manges the production process that has extensive planning and scheduling complications. Serves as the Head, NLS Media Lab the creation and production of accessible content in the NLS Media Lab. Develops technical standards and standard operating procedures and assures the quality control of the products delivered by the staff. Provides guidance to the Media Lab staff; advises and counsels the staff concerning quality and techniques; provides direction on procedures of all accessible products; remains responsible for the operational continuity of work performed. Establishes efficient workflow procedures, including assignments of responsibility, and institutes methods and timetables accordingly. Reviews and appraises work performed by staff. Directs all training of new Media Lab staff. Casts production teams according to artistic, educational, and experimental requirements of books being recorded. Provides guidance on spoken conventions, linguistics, and foreign languages and directs research work by staff to ensure proper pronunciation, vocal presentation, and interpretation. Provides guidance on tactile material production that may accompany accessible books, including subject research, context interpretation, component material selection, and product construction. Provides guidance on the development of image descriptions that may be included in accessible books. Identifies technical support for present and newly installed equipment In the NLS Media Lab. Supervises and approves the work of contract repair and maintenance personnel. Resolves significant planning and scheduling problems related to equipment, space, and staff availability. Oversees a wide range of digital recording and production techniques, utilizes professional recording equipment and specialized software for the production of digital talking books (DTB) and other reading material, and makes available resources to research complex audio productions. Oversees and utilizes equipment for the production of tactile material. Advises NLS staff, contract production studios, and volunteer recording studios on effective ways to handle complex recording problems and drafts instructions detailing how to handle difficult books. Provides guidance concerning recording standards and suitability of materials for inclusion in the NLS program. Pans and conducts training sessions and informational workshops in various locations throughout the United States for accessible content production studios, library organizations, conferences, and national organizations representing blind and print disabled individuals; provides expertise on the art of narration and the art and technique of accessible book production. Conducts narrator/monitor/reviewer workshops at contract and volunteer recording studios. Serves as an expert/guest speaker on the production of accessible books as part of regional library outreach programs throughout the United States.