Director of Program Management (External Affairs) IS-1001-14

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

4d•$143,913 - $187,093•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Director of Program Management (External Affairs) to provide senior operational leadership for advancement and revenue-generating functions. This position oversees the day-to-day operations across gift processing, membership programs, ticketed special events, facility rentals, and earned revenue initiatives that support NZCBI's mission and growth. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience and be an adept operational leader and collaborative manager with extensive expertise in nonprofit revenue administration, financial oversight, event management, and staff supervision. They should excel at translating strategic objectives into efficient administrative and business processes while ensuring compliance with institutional policies. Candidates with a background in project management or chief of staff roles within similar organizations are desired.

Requirements

Deep understanding of advancement operations, membership program administration, event revenue models, and financial management in a nonprofit or cultural institution.
Proven capability to supervise professional and technical staff, manage performance, assign priorities, and foster team development.
Experience in budget formulation, financial forecasting, revenue reconciliation, multi-fund management, and contract/vendor negotiation.
Demonstrated skill in managing ticketed events, public programs, market analysis, and operational logistics.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to represent operational priorities, present analytical reports, and ensure compliance with complex organizational and federal policies.
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 rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Nice To Haves

Background in project management or chief of staff roles within similar organizations.

Responsibilities

Provides full supervisory oversight for professional staff engaged in gift processing, membership operations, events, earned revenue programs, and administrative services.
Assigns work, establishes priorities, evaluates performance, and leads workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development to build team capacity.
Oversees operational processes for gift processing, revenue recording, reconciliation, and fund management.
Leads data integrity, reporting, and performance measurement activities while ensuring strict adherence to Smithsonian financial, gift, and procurement policies.
Provides operational execution and leadership for the NZCBI membership program.
Evaluates membership levels, benefits, pricing, and acquisition campaigns, leveraging market analysis and revenue forecasting to drive member growth, retention, and earned revenue.
Directs the planning, execution, and financial evaluation of ticketed special events, facility rentals, and public programs.
Establishes performance metrics, quality controls, and operational standards to maximize profitability and visitor engagement in alignment with NZCBI’s brand.
Develops and manages budgets across Advancement, Membership, Events, and Communications teams in coordination with team leads.
Leads procurement and contracting processes, manages vendor relationships, conducts financial forecasting, and advises senior leadership on multi-year business strategies.