Government Relations Specialist

Government Relations Specialist

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $120579 - $156755 Per Year

Job Summary: The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is in Office of Assistant Secretary Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Office of Government Relations (OGR).

Major Duties:

• OGR is responsible for Congressional, intergovernmental, and intra-governmental relations for the SI and for representing the interests of the Institution before Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees and subcommittees, executive branch agencies, and state and local governments. This position reports to the Director, OGR and participates in all facets of the work of the Office. The purpose this position will assist in the formulation and implementation of important SI legislative and policy initiatives and issues. In this position, you will perform the following duties: Works closely with high-level staff throughout SI who are responsible for developing program and policy initiatives. Ensures that initiatives are in line with the Secretary's stated goals. Prepares summaries and/or comprehensive bill reports to keep interested parties current on status. Develops formal and informal briefings for interested parties. Drafts and prepares position papers, talking points, speeches, background papers and other documents for the Director, OGR. Establishes and maintains relationships with key members of Congress and congressional staff, personnel in other Federal agencies, members of local government, and other as appropriate. Represents the Director at meetings and conferences and presents the official SI position on matters addressed.

Qualifications: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as 1) Demonstrated expertise in the legislative process and related procedures, gained while working on Capitol Hill and/or in external roles engaging with Congress or legislative offices ;2) Building and sustaining productive relationships with key stakeholders, including members of Congress, congressional staff, officials in federal agencies, local government representatives, and other relevant partn and ; 3) Applying laws, policies, and regulations connected to legislative and budgetary processes. In addition to the meeting the Basic Requirements listed below in above, in order to qualify for this position, you MUST possess the following Selective Factor: Selective Factor: The incumbent must have demonstrated experience cultivating stakeholder relationships through strategic outreach activities on Capitol Hill such as behind-the-scenes tours, special events, site visits, lecture series, informational briefings, or meetings with senior leadership to promote organizational priorities and strengthen engagement with policymakers. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. 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.

How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-20