Program Coordinator (IS-1001-07)

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

OPEN DATE: March 11, 2026 CLOSING DATE: March 17, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applicants 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 (NS)/Moderate Risk Open to all Qualified Applicants This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential up to grade 12. Selection for this position to be made at the grade 7 level. We are currently advertising the Program Coordinator position at a grade 7. 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 Smithsonian Associates (Associates) leverages the vast resources of the Smithsonian Institution to create pan-institutional public programs for Associates members and the general public. Associates’ programs are created for in-person Washington DC area audiences and virtual audiences across the country with content delivered via Zoom. Associates curates and produces informative, enlightening, entertaining, and insightful programs, including lectures, seminars, courses, study tours, studio arts, performances, films, children’s theater, and summer camp inspired by and amplifying the full character of the Smithsonian’s collections, exhibitions, and research. Audiences of all ages explore topics in scientific, historic, artistic, and cultural expression. Through their participation, members and the public become involved in the Institution’s work, creating broad interest and support for the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Associates is a financially independent educational non-profit business activity within the Smithsonian: funding derived from ticket sales, tuition, membership fees and fundraising. Smithsonian Associates seeks an experienced Program Coordinator in Studio Arts to curate its extensive in-person and virtual Studio Arts programs. The ideal applicant is a self-directed, proactive, energetic go-getter, with superior organizational and project management skills; masterful at communication, able to manage multiple projects, prioritize responsibilities and deliverables, adapt to new challenges and operate effectively in a fast-paced work environment. Candidates should be goal-driven creative thinkers and solutions-based problem-solvers with curiosity and passion as well as deep understanding of trends in virtual and in-person programming for lifelong learners. An individual with an approachable, helpful spirit and flexible attitude who enjoys working in a lively team environment is essential. Those with early-career level experience (2+ years) in developing and managing a studio arts program curriculum for adults are encouraged to apply. The tour of duty for this position is Monday through Friday. The candidate must have flexibility to routinely work evenings and weekends (an average of 6-10 a month as scheduled). This position is located at the S. Dillon Ripley center on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must possess 2 or more years of related experience (described below).
Knowledge of the principles of museum-based public programming including criteria for quality and fiscal viability, and technical procedures for program development and implementation.
Knowledge of programming formats typically utilized by Studio Arts (courses and workshops) to create programs in these formats for adult learners.
Knowledge budget development and monitoring of programs, analysis, forecasting of expenses and revenue in accordance with set budgetary guidelines.
Ability to organize and administer all technical and logistical aspects of programs.
Familiarity with the Zoom platform for delivery of on-line program content.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Self-starter capable of taking ownership of required tasks and responsibilities.
Interpersonal skills with demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
Ability to work collaboratively and in a team.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with various deadlines and set priorities.
High level of proficiency in Windows Office programs.
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) from a four-year college or university plus a minimum of 2 years related work experience is desired; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Tessitura is a plus.

Responsibilities

Works as a member of the programming team to fulfill a quarterly programming matrix which is approved by management staff.
Plans and implements programs in accordance with the guidelines of the programming matrix. At the grade 7 level, the incumbent maintains the current program load of up to 300 studio arts program per year with supervisory oversight in several formats including courses and workshops
Evaluates programs for quality, educational effectiveness, financial viability and accountability, and audience response.
Prepares copy for publications and other promotional material as required. Meets stated deadlines.
Prepares correspondences, printed programs, program notes, etc. Prepares communications regarding notices of cancellation, postponement, location change, etc. and disseminates in a timely manner.
Prepares all necessary administrative forms and submits them to the proper office or Associates staff in a timely fashion.
Demonstrates an understanding of the budgetary process and guidelines. Prepares individual program budgets forecasting expenses and revenues. Tracks expenditures for assigned programs, reviewing bills for accuracy and submitting approved invoices for payment.
Attends programs as assigned to supervise and/or assist presenters, monitors, vendors, SI support staff, caterers, and volunteers; serves in the role of house/stage manager when applicable.
Tech hosts on-line programs using the Zoom platform via an at home workstation with strong internet connectivity. Tech hosting includes assisting presenters with zoom technical issues pertaining to audio and visual set up prior to program launch.
Oversight of part-time or temporary staff, interns, and program/office volunteers to assist in all facets of creating, implementing, and evaluating programs.
Keeps abreast of the latest developments in museums and cultural programming for all audiences including museum education theory, instructional technology trends, and SI learning and research initiatives. Maintains familiarity with local and national arts and cultural organizations, and other potential programming models.
Maintains connections with leaders in the arts, art history and culture throughout the Smithsonian and nationally to provide a large stable of potential lecturers.
Facilitates Associates Art Collectors Program comprised of commissioned contemporary fine art prints and posters by acclaimed American artists including sales, marketing, storing, packing, and shipping of artwork.
Candidate reports to duty station at 1100 Jefferson Drive S.W. Washington D.C., at least two days (or more) per week to conform to telework employee requirements plus additional days and times, as needed, to support in-person programs. For Studio Arts operations, this generally means 3 or more in-office days a week plus routine additional evenings and weekends as required while classes are in session.