Program Manager

Smithsonian InstitutionWashington, District of Columbiausajobspublished 10/08/2026
Must-have:SecuritySeniorLeadPrincipal

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located organizationally in Facilities Planning and Operations, Office of Building Renovation and Exhibition Services (OBRES), National Museum of American History (NMAH), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI). More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

Major duties

The primary purpose of this position is to oversee all integrated facility and logistics functions for NMAH, including construction, maintenance, security, safety, emergency management, landscaping, and sustainability, ensuring alignment with the museum's strategic plan. In this position, you: Provide leadership for long-term infrastructure projects, direct and evaluate the Facilities Planning and Operations Division, and advise the NMAH Director on technical and operational matters. Coordinate with multiple SI offices to develop and manage an integrated, multi-faceted facility program by identifying and communicating facility requirements and needs based on a strategic plan and priorities for research, programs, and exhibits, as well as operational needs, in consultation with cross-disciplinary staff. Participate in and provide detailed guidance and assistance to leadership and museum staff on construction projects, including relocation plans, exhibition and office configurations, operating logistics, and support services. Lead and manage the safety program to ensure a safe facility environment for staff, contractors, fellows, interns, volunteers, and visitors using facility spaces in Washington, DC, and Maryland. Supervise several positions performing work at various grade levels, directing, reviewing, and evaluating work to be accomplished.

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined executing comprehensive facilities planning and operations programs for a museum, cultural institution, or similarly complex organization, including developing and implementing policies, standards, and management strategies for maintenance, life safety, security, sustainability, emergency preparedness, space management, and logistics; leading major facilities renovation, construction, or infrastructure improvement projects; advising senior leadership on facilities and operational matters; and ensuring the effective stewardship, functionality, and long-term sustainability of facilities and infrastructure. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Education

Refer to the above Basic Education Requirements is not required for this series and grade.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.