Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Research Service (CRS), a division of the Library of Congress, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join their Library Events Office (LEO) as an Event Support Specialist. This non-supervisory, bargaining unit position offers an hourly wage ranging from $34.36 to $40.14, reflecting the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
In this crucial role, the Event Support Specialist will be responsible for preparing the physical facilities for a variety of important events, including meetings, receptions, and meals. This involves utilizing knowledge of diverse room set-ups to arrange spaces according to specific needs and reading detailed setup descriptions and diagrams. The successful candidate will also coordinate closely with event sponsors and vendors to ensure the safe and secure placement of necessary equipment.
A key aspect of the position involves providing seamless food service for high-profile events. This includes offerings from outside caterers for conferences, exhibition openings, cultural ceremonies, VIP visits from political officials and corporate leaders, and official luncheons and dinners. The role requires knowledge of formal dining protocols for the proper setup and placement of all food service equipment.
The Event Support Specialist will also assist in event set-up by collaborating with Materials Handlers and vendor employees, ensuring audiovisual equipment is functioning correctly, and dressing tables appropriately. Strong organizational skills are essential for assisting in the planning and coordination of food services that may involve various combinations and setups.
Client interaction is another important facet of this role. The specialist will meet with both internal and external clients prior to events, making introductions and ensuring all arrangements meet their expectations. This requires the ability to read event documentation to understand specific guest needs and timelines, and to work closely with event coordinators to determine the best approaches for various tasks. The ability to respond to last-minute requests and assist in resolving event-related issues with discretion and professionalism is highly valued.
Furthermore, the position involves assisting in the development and justification of budgets for event service supplies and identifying staffing needs. In the absence of the event assistant, the specialist will also be responsible for receiving visitors and telephone calls, addressing inquiries, and directing matters to the appropriate staff members.
Key Requirements:
- Proven knowledge of event space arrangement, set-up, and service procedures.
- Strong ability to interpret instructions and effectively plan and execute work.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate and facilitate a variety of special events.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain positive relationships.
- Ability to manage inventory control and assist in budget maintenance for events.
- Effective communication skills (oral).
No specific education requirements are listed for this position. However, applicants must possess progressively responsible experience and training that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This full-time position follows a fixed work schedule from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is subject to regular overtime and a work schedule outside the normal 8-hour day. Relocation expenses will not be authorized. U.S. citizenship is generally required for employment at the Library of Congress, but non-citizens may apply if other legal requirements are met and no qualified U.S. citizens are available.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the official Library of Congress application portal. The application period closes on May 1, 2025.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the smooth operation of high-profile events within a prestigious institution. If you possess the required skills and a strong work ethic, the Congressional Research Service encourages you to apply!
To view more open positions kindly visit Congressional Research Service (CRS) Career Page.