Program Coordinator (IS-1001-11)

Smithsonian Institution•Suitland, MD

5d•$85,447 - $93,994•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) seeks experienced and highly motivated candidates to fill the position of Program Coordinator for an initial term of three years. The initial term may or may not be extended. The purpose of the position is to serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to the Four Pathways program by working in close partnership with the NMAI Assistant Director for Collections to manage program administration, budget coordination, and grant reporting. The Four Pathways of Return guides the NMAI in working with communities to return or care for cultural heritage items in ways that address past harms and support ethical stewardship. Integrating the NMAI Act and related Smithsonian policies, it helps determine the best pathway – Community Loan, Shared Stewardship, Repatriation, or Ethical Returns – to provide communities with greater authority over their cultural heritage. The NMAI is responsible for affirming to Native communities and the non-Native public, the historical and contemporary culture and cultural achievements of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere by advancing, in consultation, collaboration and cooperation with them, a knowledge and understanding of their cultures, including art, history, and language, and by recognizing the Museum's special responsibility, through innovative public programming, research, and collections, to protect, support, and enhance the development, maintenance, and perpetuation of Indigenous culture and community. This position is located at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Cultural Resource Center in Suitland, MD. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Please note, this is a trust position, and applications are not through USA Jobs; all that is required is an uploaded CV or resume to the online job application and a cover letter in the space provided at the online form. Please highlight how your resume and experience connect to the requirements of the position in your cover letter. A resume can be more than two pages given that it 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.

Requirements

Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to correspond diplomatically and effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including museum staff, senior leadership, tribal representatives, and the general public. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally when conveying program-related information, such as updates to standard operating procedures and policy guidance.
Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of Smithsonian Institution and NMAI policies, procedures, and operational requirements, including federal administrative processes such as budget formulation, funds management, procurement, and contract oversight.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, maintaining attention to detail and adapting to shifting priorities.
Ability to apply a broad and nuanced understanding of Indigenous cultures to inform program development and stakeholder engagement tasks.
Demonstrates advanced interpersonal and customer service skills to effectively engage with varied audiences including Native and Indigenous community members, researchers, and international partners.
Knowledge of evaluative techniques and administrative principles to assess program effectiveness, support decision-making, and improve operational outcomes.
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.

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to the Four Pathways program by working in close partnership with the Assistant Director for Collections to manage program administration, budget coordination, and grant reporting.
Supports the conceptual development and strategic direction of the program, advising on feasibility, resource needs, and implementation.
Guides the development and execution of the Four Pathways program, including staff training, performance monitoring, and creation of program materials such as the Four Pathways Program Guide.
Designs strategies to sustain and expand the program, recommending improvements based on data analysis and evaluation.
Advances effective communication between NMAI and other Smithsonian units, ensuring consistent messaging and coordination.
Manages daily communications with program participants, providing resources and support and resolving issues independently.
Serves as the principal advisor and support to the Assistant Director for Collections and the Four Pathways program, providing strategic recommendations and coordinating activities requiring attention from the program and Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns Core Group.
Leads and participates in consultations with tribal representatives, ensuring respectful and culturally sensitive engagement.
Independently manages logistics for repatriations, consultations, and special projects, collaborating with staff across the Smithsonian units as needed.
Supports the Registration Department in its management of packing, shipping, and return logistics for items associated with the Four Pathways program, collaborating closely with relevant staff as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Manages procurement tasks, including catering requests and logistical arrangements for invitational travelers (i.e., individuals invited to the museum for official purposes, including travel, lodging, and related needs, which may include off-site visits).