Administration Specialist

Administration Specialist, IS-0301-09

Final date to receive applications: 21 September 2026

Department: National Museum of the American Indian

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Suitland, MD

Reporting To: Kelly Mc Hugh

Compensation: $70,623 - $72,997 / year

OPEN DATE:
August 31, 2026

CLOSING DATE:
September 21, 2026

POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE:
Temporary NTE 2 Years

SCHEDULE:
Full Time

DUTY

LOCATION:

Suitland, Md

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive / Moderate 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.

The National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the histories, cultures, arts, and languages of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Through consultation, collaboration, and partnership with Native communities, the Museum fulfills its mission by developing innovative programs, conducting research, stewarding collections, and supporting the preservation, continuity, and vitality of Indigenous cultures and communities.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) seeks an experienced, highly motivated individual to serve as an Administrative Specialist for an initial two-year term appointment, which may be extended based on organizational needs and available funding. This position provides administrative and programmatic support for NMAI’s Conservation fellowship and internship programs.

Key responsibilities include supporting applicants throughout the recruitment, application, selection, and onboarding processes; assisting with outreach and engagement efforts involving Native and Indigenous communities, artists, and prospective program participants; and performing a variety of administrative duties in support of these activities. The position also supports the organization, preparation, and dissemination of conservation-related archival documentation, research materials, and resources for digital platforms.

• Establishes and maintains systems to organize program systems, correspondence and files.
• Utilizes existing collections, project tracking, and contact management systems to prepare and record information related to fellowship and internship activities.
• Uses analytical techniques to identify and resolve issues or problems of a procedural nature including administrative practices and procedures common to cultural organizations such as channels of communication, routing of correspondence, and documentation systems.
• Coordinate meetings, either in person or virtually, by contacting participants and reviews required attendee’s calendars. Sends invites, assembles correspondence, records, reports and other material pertaining to the meeting and prepares meeting agendas.
• Makes logistical arrangements related to meetings and events to include reserving conference rooms, AV equipment, catering, security, lodging, etc.
• Assists in completing administrative paperwork in direct support of the department’s projects, including drafting requisitions and purchase orders. Prepares draft documents and tracks, coordinates, and resolves…