APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed Two (2) Years
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
Complete a Probationary Period
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. This position is located in the Office of Communications and External Affairs (OCEA), Office of Public Affairs (OPA). OPA manages communications for the main Smithsonian brand which includes media relations, social media, crisis communications, internal communications, website and counseling senior staff on sensitive or controversial issues. The incumbent performs a wide variety of public affairs duties related to the upcoming 250th Semiquincentennial celebration at the Smithsonian.
The position reports to the Media Manager.
Duties And Responsibilities
Digital Engagement and Content Development:
Drafts, edits and publishes content for digital platforms including social media, the web and e-newsletters; evaluates the success of content and reports metrics. Responsible for maintaining editorial planning calendar for the Smithsonian’s 250th activities (SI-250).
Scripts and produces short form video series.
Participates in reviews of communications and content for accuracy, adherence to AP style and consistency with brand guidelines for SI-250.
Participates in long- and short-range planning of communications and content strategies, initiatives, projects and branded products to effectively promote the all aspects of the SI-250.
Responds to public queries and prepares communications to community groups and key stakeholders.
Media Relations
Writes press releases and media materials and coordinates dissemination—ensuring written materials are professional, engaging and accurate.
Identifies, establishes and maintains close and productive contact with local, national and international media organizations as well as history, art, culture and science publications; maintains media lists.
Responds to media inquiries and regularly pitches stories to local, national and international media.
Supports spokespeople for SI-250.
Organizes and coordinates media interviews with staff; helps plan and execute press events.
Collects and analyses metrics to develop reports.
Develops messaging and supports crisis communications response as needed.
Project Management
Act as project manager for collaborations between OPA SI-250 projects and the rest of Smithsonian. Also, serves as a liaison and representative from OPA to other Smithsonian working groups.
Coordinate written/verbal correspondence between OPA, Smithsonian leadership, staff and partners.
Qualification Requirements
Experience required for this position is as follows:
Experience working at a museum, zoo or cultural institution.
Experience of scripting and producing short form videos for a branded series.
Knowledge of American history, culture, science and art.
Experience with digital media, including the evolving use of social media for outreach and program promotion.
Knowledge of creating a communications campaign demonstrating creativity, implementation, goals, metrics and project management.
Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with members of the media, contractors, colleagues, and members of the public.
Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in social media platforms, principles, practices and methods to execute and monitor social and digital media platforms and campaigns.
Experience successfully placing an organization’s stories in local, national and international news outlets.
Experience in crisis communications.
Proven experience and ability to communicate complex topics in a clear, friendly voice for a variety of audiences.
Skill in developing editorial content tailored to varied communications channels that engages target audiences and helps achieve specific objectives.
Excellent writing skills and ability to edit and accurately proofread material for adherence to brand guidelines, subject matter accuracy, AP style, syntax, grammar, clarity, format and terminology.
Proven ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.
Skilled in using Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Drupal Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact ocea-admin@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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