Education Program Specialist (Astronomy), IS-1720-09

Final date to receive applications: 24 August 2026

Department: National Air and Space Museum

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $70,623 - $80,041 / year

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low-Risk

Open to all qualified applicants

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).

• 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.

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is one of over 20 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 onsite and virtually to millions.

Information about the role:

This position is in the Education Department under the Education and Visitor Experience Directorate of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), at the Smithsonian Institution. The position is responsible for supporting astronomy subject matter and learning opportunities in the education department’s work to educate and engage audiences of all ages.

• Supports the development and implementation of astronomy-specific learning resources for all audiences including families, children, young adults, and educators, with emphasis on creating new audiences.
• Facilitates astronomy learning using observatory, planetarium, and telescopes.
• Works with curatorial staff to ensure accuracy of astronomy teaching and devises strategies to infuse astronomy education into all the Museum’s programming, contributing to a science education plan centered on comprehensive topics portrayed in exhibition halls within the institution.
• Reads and interprets academic reports; policies, and other documents that provide awareness of techniques, pressing issues, or other matters in the field of astronomy to integrate into subject matter developed by the institution.
• Supports and engages teams of specialists and volunteers responsible for the development of activities and materials, and operations of the observatory.
• Supports developing grant reports.
• Conducts ongoing evaluations to ensure programs and exhibitions meet audiences' needs for astronomy engagement and Museum goals.

Education (if positive education is required) and

Experience:

To qualify for this position, candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level, demonstrating the ability to lead, plan,…