The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located within the Office of Collections, Division of Public History, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, SI. The Office of Collections stewards the national collection, working to ensure preservation and public access. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal Service. For this position specialized experience is defined as 1) oversight and supervision of museum collections staff and daily operations, 2) providing leadership to the museum on collections management, 3) the development, implementation, updating, and refinement of operational and strategic plans and policies, 4) the establishment of criteria and written guidelines for collections stewardship. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
As the Assistant Director for Collections at the National Museum of American History (NMAH), you will report to the Deputy Director of Public History and you will perform the following duties: Leads the collections management program at NMAH, charged with formulating policies, program goals, budgets and objectives, and the development of short- and long- range plans to accomplish goals, working closely with the Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs and Curatorial Division Chairs, the Associate Director for Digital Access and Archives and in consultation with the Deputy Director of Public History. Oversees over physical security, including disaster preparation, and collection facility planning and management. Advises on and recommends courses of action pertaining to collections budget priorities, organizational structures, reward systems, technical staff requirements and responsibilities, staff training, space allocation, and utilization. Plans and carries out a full range of departmental supervisory and managerial duties. Sets annual and multi-year plans and schedules for projects accomplished in-house and by contract based on museum priorities.