Program Specialist; National Engagement

Program Specialist (National Engagement), IS-1001-11

Final date to receive applications: 24 September 2026

Department: Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Director of SITES|SA

Compensation: $85,447 - $111,087 / year

OPEN DATE:
September 10, 2026

CLOSING DATE:
September 24, 2026

POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE:
Indefinite

SCHEDULE:
Full Time

DUTY

LOCATION:

Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

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.

This position is located in the Office of Outreach and Engagement, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES | Affiliations). As the Smithsonian's national outreach and engagement arm, SITES | Affiliations extends the Institution's reach beyond Washington, DC, connecting communities nationwide with Smithsonian collections, stories, scholars, and resources. Through traveling exhibitions, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives, SITES | Affiliations enables millions of people to experience the Smithsonian in their local communities.

Smithsonian Affiliations play a key role in advancing the Institution's strategic priorities by expanding access to Smithsonian content and expertise, fostering engagement with diverse audiences, and supporting a nationwide network of cultural and educational organizations. Affiliate organizations benefit from unique Smithsonian resources, including specialized programming, professional development opportunities, and a strong collaborative network that helps further their missions.

The Program Specialist (National Engagement) plays a key role in advancing Smithsonian Affiliations' national engagement efforts by supporting partnerships, coordinating outreach activities, and fostering relationships with Smithsonian Affiliates and external stakeholders. The position contributes to the development and implementation of initiatives that strengthen community engagement and expand public access to Smithsonian resources and opportunities.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of national programs, convenings, professional development opportunities, educational initiatives, and community engagement…