Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $169279 - $197200 Per Year

Job Summary: The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs (OCEA) at the Smithsonian Institution (SI). OPA is responsible for managing public affairs and communications for the Institution. OPA is the main point of contact for the Smithsonian with the news media.

Major Duties:

• In this position, you serve as the Director of OPA with responsibility for developing, managing, and executing all aspects of public affairs, digital media, web, social media, internal communications, crisis communications, and media relations for the Smithsonian Institution (SI). In this position, you: Through subordinate supervisors, plan, organize, direct, and supervise the personnel and activities of OPA, carrying out the full range of supervisory and managerial authorities related to the assignment of work. Analyze public affairs needs in consideration of SI's national and international programs and activities. You oversee the development and execution of publicity and digital campaigns that provide clear and accessible information on the full range of SI activities and programs, including scientific research, art, history, and culture. Create and manage SI-wide communications campaigns and initiatives, and coordinate and support the communications needs of multiple Smithsonian central offices. Establish and maintain broad relationships with media representatives across broadcast, print, and online platforms, including both national and international outlets. Lead, coordinate and support public and media relations for the Secretary of the Institution. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

Qualifications: 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) directing a comprehensive public affairs program for a large, complex organization, including developing and executing strategic communications plans, crisis communications, and media relations at the national or international level; 2) managing multidisciplinary teams and budgets, setting organizational goals, and overseeing digital, social media, and internal communications initiatives; and; 3) advising senior executives on communications strategies and ensuring alignment across multiple units and stakeholders. 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: 2026-03-05