Jobs for humanists 2/18
Government Information Specialist • Treasury • February 28, 2022
Redact stuff for the treasury department! You are eligible for the first grade (9) with graduate study. So you should focus your documents on how graduate student prepared you for the positions responsibilities and experience-based qualifications.
However, there’s not that much help to be found in the responsibilities section. And the main experience they’re looking for is with . . . FOIA requests . . .
Reviewing Federal agency records and updating databases; AND
Using time management to process responses to FOIA requests.
For the grade above, they want: “Communicating with the public and using time management to process responses to FOIA requests.” The KSAs are no help either.
The questionnaire is the best source of information, I think. Maybe your research involves FOIA work - or you know someone else whose research does. Tell them.
Assistant Professor (Mandarin Chinese) • Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (Army) • March 1, 2021
Teach Mandarin!
Management Support Assistant • Smithsonian Institute • March 3, 2022 OR 100 applicants
This is an admin work for the Museum Buildings Manager. You need admin experience:
For this position Specialized experience is defined as responding to inquiries both verbally and in writing, arranging meetings, reviewing correspondence for grammar, establishing and maintaining files/records, using different office automation software (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic mail); conducting inventory of equipment, keeping time and attendance records, and entering in a variety of information into an electronic database.
One could have done this in graduate school. They do want actual financial experience, though - that’s one of the KSAs.
The questionnaire has plenty of helpful language for résumés.
Client Communication Specialist • General Services Administration • March 3, 2022
I always forget that’s an agency, lol.
As a Client Communications Specialist , you will be determining and preparing communication vehicles to ensure consistent branding and messaging in anticipation of and/or response to information needs for stakeholders.
. . .
Develops relationships and partnerships with assigned clients, serving as a liaison between clients and assigned Communication Specialist to provide strategic advice and direction regarding client's needs, to promote a client focused approach designed to integrate client initiatives and perspectives into communication projects, and to facilitate the development of communication solutions, options and recommendations to identify and implement satisfactory resolutions.
Leads and coordinates communications activities across teams, creating a comprehensive communications program for clients that includes a defined plan based on various audiences, and proactively managing communications strategy based on the comprehensive program and understanding of the business. . . .
A PhD qualifies you for this position at GS11! But you better make sure you can talk about that PhD in the following terms:
Specialized experience is providing advice and guidance on an organization's communications to both external and internal customers; assisting in developing and implementing communication strategies; assisting in facilitating stakeholder meetings; creating and presenting briefing materials; developing various communication materials such as: publication articles, fact sheets, position papers, and information on websites.
The KSAs are kind of lengthy and what you’d expect - click through to see them. The questionnaire has useful language.
Supervisory Program Manager • Library of Congress • March 8, 2022
Okay, they are hiring one person for a position in Law & Criminal Justice OR Science & Technology, which seem like significantly different areas of subject expertise?
Conducts all program management activities independently with little-to-no oversight of the division chief.
Formulates policy and programming guidance for the Section. Analyzes, designs, implements, and evaluates research, analysis, and translation projects performed by project team members on domestic and foreign topics. Establishes program objectives for the Section and units of measure for determining when objectives have been met. Drafts guidance and direction regarding program management and reporting. Plans and implements a comprehensive evaluation system for the review and analysis of proposed costs, program development, and performance within the Section. Manages short and long range planning activities that include multi-year work plans that are the products of subordinate organizational projects/programs.
There are a lot more responsibilities. I think you need to already have done this position in another context (like, ahem, an academic one) in order to be a plausible candidate. The KSAs/qualifications do sound awfully academic:
Ability to provide program management, evaluation, and oversight in program topic areas such as Law & Criminal Justice and Science & Technology.**
Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce.**
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate projects and programs with national reach.
Ability to research, analyze, and gather requirements, and perform analytical studies.**
Ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals from varying backgrounds and levels.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.