Job Description
Description
OPEN DATE: March 18. 2026 CLOSING DATE: April 1, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.) POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Moderate Risk
Who May Apply:
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, which 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.
- 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
This position is located in the Smithsonian Institution, Office of Assistant Secretary
Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Office of Government
Relations. Office of Government Relations (OGR) is responsible for Congressional,
intergovernmental, and intra-governmental relations for the Smithsonian and for
representing the interests of the Institution before Members of Congress, congressional
staff, committees and subcommittees, executive branch agencies, and state and local
governments.
The incumbent reports to the Director, OGR and participates in all facets of the work of the
Office. The purpose of the incumbent’s work is to assist in the formulation and
implementation of important SI legislative and policy initiatives and issues.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Legislative Affairs
- Works closely with high-level staff throughout SI who are responsible for developing program and policy initiatives.
- Provides authoritative advice and guidance to them on optimal strategies to further SI objectives.
- Ensures that initiatives are in line with the Secretary’s stated goals.
- Considers complex variables and assesses the environment in which issues will be considered.
- Analyzes pending legislation for effect on SI programs, ensures it is brought to the attention of appropriate high-level staff, and that thoughtful and timely actions are
- taken to assure that the Institution’s interests are promoted.
- Tracks status of legislative proposals affecting SI as bills are submitted and move through subcommittees and committees, during mark ups and conferences, etc.
- Prepares summaries and/or comprehensive bill reports to keep interested parties current on status. Develops formal and informal briefings for interested parties.
Communications and Congressional Correspondence
- Drafts and prepares position papers, talking points, speeches, background papers and other documents for the Director, OGR.
- Conducts necessary research and obtains input from sources throughout the Smithsonian.
- Contributes to testimony on subjects related to or affecting the Smithsonian Institution.
- Prepares briefing materials for witnesses and assures their understanding of the legislative process. Represents the Director at meetings and conferences and presents the official SI position on matters addressed.
- Assists the Director, OGR, with administrative functions, drafting responses to congressional inquiries, responding to internal and external requests for information, etc.
Congressional Relations Liaison
- Uses firsthand congressional experience to establish and maintain relationships with key members of Congress and congressional staff, personnel in other Federal agencies, members of local government, and other as appropriate. This includes weekly in-person meetings, virtual meetings, phone calls, emails, and briefings to communicate Smithsonian priorities and interests as well as learn of policymakers' personal and professional interests.
- Serves as a point of contact within OGR for these contacts.
- Cultivates relations with contacts through creative outreach such as behind-the-scenes tours, special events, site visits, lecture series, informational briefings and meetings with senior Smithsonian officials.
Performs related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 5-7 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience required for this position is as follows:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of the legislative process from firsthand experience working in a congressional office as well as knowledge of individual Members of Congress and their
staffs who have the greatest impact with regard to Institution policies and programs. - Ability to build and maintain relationships with Congressional staff, federal agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Skill in representing the organization in meetings, hearings, and interagency discussions.
- Ability to develop and implement government relations strategies that align with agency goals.
- Skill in coordinating cross-office efforts related to legislative or policy initiatives.
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.
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.
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 . To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following:
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
Job Tags
Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Relocation, Flexible hours