Smithsonian Institution

Staff Assistant, National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington, Dist. Columbia | Feb 7, 2023
Industries
Non-Profit / Charity
Job Function
Admin/Clerical/Secretarial

Job Description

Grade: 09
Location: Washington, DC
Closing: February 6

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian's history during the creation of two new Smithsonian museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. These museums build on the legacy and impact of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has helped transform the nation's understanding of American history since its opening in 2016. Following the success of the Smithsonian's first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.

About the Staff Assistant
The National Museum of African American History and Culture seeks a creative and energetic Staff Assistant to join its Advancement Office who excels in office management, planning and time management. This position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make an impact by ensuring the administrative needs of the Chief Advancement Officer and the Advancement Office are accomplished.

The Staff Assistant is responsible for maintaining the Chief Advancement Officer's calendar; working as an initial point of contact for inquiries; managing travel planning by obtaining appropriate authorizations, coordination of schedules, and reservations for transportation and lodging; writing and editing communications, talking points for public events, materials, and reports; representing the Chief Advancement Officer at meetings; maintaining data in various information systems; and collecting and analyzing data necessary to meet reporting requirements.

The successful applicant will have at least one year of experience providing executive support, maintaining a calendar, assisting with travel planning, and ensuring the administrative needs of an office are accomplished. Qualified applicants will also successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, excellent computer skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a demonstrated ability to work independently. The incumbent will be self-motivated and detail-oriented, accurate and professional always; must be precise, diplomatic, dedicated, and mature as well as flexible and able to work well under pressure. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization desired.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian Institution
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the largest national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Its primary purposes are to acquire, maintain and preserve objects which document social, cultural, political, military, technological and scientific developments in the United States related to the African American experience; to conduct scholarly research designed to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the field of African American history; to publish findings for both scholarly and general audiences; and to interpret historical developments through public exhibits and programs as well as digital content.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, "the increase and diffusion of knowledge" and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

Benefits and Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by February 6, 2023. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution ensures its employees (federal and trust), applicants, and affiliated persons (interns, research associates, fellows, and volunteers) are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, or political affiliation and are free from reprisal against protected activities. In addition, other Smithsonian policy prohibits discrimination based on membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors, and political affiliation.

The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.