Senior Program Advisor

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is one of over 21 units that comprise the Smithsonian Institution - including museums, libraries, research centers, publications, web presence and the national zoo - and is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge to enlighten, inspire, and engage individuals of all ages. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials, and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe. Its research and outreach activities serve all audiences, within and beyond its walls. Learning at the National Air and Space Museum sparks curiosity and empowers learners to imagine the possibilities of our future. The Museum commemorates the past and is committed to educating and inspiring audiences to foster an appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity. NASM is administered as one Museum in the virtual space as well as at multiple physical locations: the National Mall building; the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia; and the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland. NASM provides access to the nation’s aviation and space flight history to an average of between 7-9 million onsite visitors from around the world annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. In addition, NASM draws tens of millions of learners to its virtual programming. Incumbent serves as a key advisor to the Director, assisting and providing recommendations to the Director concerning oversight of the day-to-day operations of the museum and in the formulation of decisions that relate to museum matters. Maintains close contact with senior management, program, and museum staffs, and draws upon a comprehensive understanding of the Director's priorities, views, and objectives. Interprets policies and procedures to coordinate museum activities ensuring their implementation and to resolve conflicts. Ensures that all matters brought to the Director's attention have been thoroughly researched and analyzed and that alternative courses of action have been explored and identified. Recommends policy, goals and objectives for managing museum operations. Prepares and issues policy guidelines and standards in alignment with the overall guidance set down by the Smithsonian Institution, the Director and Senior Leadership Team. Serves as a resource officer to staff in their pursuit of information required to complete work assignments in support of the museum's mission and operations. Performs management and/or program support work, such as research, analysis of reports, written correspondence/action item control, communications, and/or liaison services. The incumbent may also plan, accomplish, and/or manage special projects or serve on special study groups or committees throughout NASM. Participates in the research, development, and organization of projects as assigned by the Director; takes the initiative in seeking out information from a variety of internal and external sources. Working independently and/or in concert with others, assures that a wide range of issues are identified, that applicable reference materials are assembled, and that appropriate contacts are made to secure information needed for action and/or decision by the Director, and may represent the Director within established authorities on matters relating to museum programs and management.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in Federal Service or comparable pay band system related to the work of this position. This specialized experience is defined as providing expert assistance and guidance on matters of organizational structure, practices, policies, operations, and strategic direction.
The incumbent is expected to be knowledgeable about Smithsonian management and program policies, and with Congress, federal agencies, and other external entities.
Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
This position requires very broad knowledge of the mission and function of the entire spectrum of the Smithsonian organization, the programmatic activities of the Smithsonian, in general, and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, in particular, in order to deal with operations that are potentially complex, difficult or controversial.
High degree of independent research and analytical and writing and software technical skills to generate strategic analyses, brief presentations, reports, correspondence, proposals and memoranda in appropriate format, tone and style.
Analytical ability to assess various options and strategies and to present recommendations to the Director and to management based on analyses and evaluation. High level of skill in written communication that involves researching and analyzing key issues that may impact on NASM’s mission, goals, and objectives and in preparing reports and other written materials.
Unusual skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with high-level SI administrators as well as senior leaders in and outside universities, government, and cultural institutions is required.
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.

Responsibilities

Serves as a key advisor to the Director, assisting and providing recommendations to the Director concerning oversight of the day-to-day operations of the museum and in the formulation of decisions that relate to museum matters.
Maintains close contact with senior management, program, and museum staffs, and draws upon a comprehensive understanding of the Director's priorities, views, and objectives. Interprets policies and procedures to coordinate museum activities ensuring their implementation and to resolve conflicts.
Ensures that all matters brought to the Director's attention have been thoroughly researched and analyzed and that alternative courses of action have been explored and identified. Recommends policy, goals and objectives for managing museum operations. Prepares and issues policy guidelines and standards in alignment with the overall guidance set down by the Smithsonian Institution, the Director and Senior Leadership Team.
Serves as a resource officer to staff in their pursuit of information required to complete work assignments in support of the museum's mission and operations. Performs management and/or program support work, such as research, analysis of reports, written correspondence/action item control, communications, and/or liaison services. The incumbent may also plan, accomplish, and/or manage special projects or serve on special study groups or committees throughout NASM.
Participates in the research, development, and organization of projects as assigned by the Director; takes the initiative in seeking out information from a variety of internal and external sources. Working independently and/or in concert with others, assures that a wide range of issues are identified, that applicable reference materials are assembled, and that appropriate contacts are made to secure information needed for action and/or decision by the Director, and may represent the Director within established authorities on matters relating to museum programs and management.