Careers

We offer Smithsonian Institution benefits including health, dental, vision and life insurance, 11 paid holidays, telework options, transit subsidy (we are conveniently located near L'Enfant Plaza Metro station on the blue/orange/silver and green/yellow lines) and health and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). Find out more here!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information. 

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s accommodation procedures. 

Conditions of Employment:

  • Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
  • Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer is required for salary payment.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is not required to apply

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, visit the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Human Resources Frequently Asked Questions.

For additional information about the SSEC, visit  https://ssec.si.edu/about-us.

Program Assistant
We are currently seeking a Program Assistant.  This person will report to the Assistant Division Director of Professional Services and assist the Professional Services Division’s STEM Education for Sustainable Development work with general administrative support including preparing travel documents, assisting with on-site events, and materials development. 

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Trust Appointment, not a Federal position. Appointment background investigation is required. This position is located in Washington, DC.   

Duties 

  • Gathers educational research and resources related to best practices for professional development. 
  • Develops and prepares briefings on updated and informational resources related to leadership and professional development programming. 
  • Assist in the development of materials for professional development modules focused on content and practices as well as Strategic Planning Institutes, Building Awareness Conferences, and other Professional Services events. 
  • Supports the development of event agendas, speaker biographies, lists of participants, maps of facilities, and dinner programs. 
  • Prepares contracts and Statements of Work for review and higher approval and utilizes the Concur and PeopleSoft systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
  • Coordinate pre-event and post-event activities such as: conducting on-site setup of audio­visual equipment,  laptops, PowerPoint presentations, and videos. 
  • Works with regional partners around the world to manage logistics of events including securing venues, catering and providing logistics information to participants. 
  • Communicates with program faculty and trainers regarding travel arrangements, itineraries, program agendas, etc. 
  • Maintain a record of Professional Services evaluations and transcripts, process evaluations from Professional Services events, works with faculty, special presenters and trainers to obtain biographical information, update event management listing after each event, and collects all material after each event. 
  • Prepares routine correspondence such as memos and emails with correct spelling, grammar, format and accuracy of information. 
  • Provide a variety of administrative support services, such as maintaining and updating budget expenses on spreadsheets, review, reconciliation and filing of travel expenses, travel authorizations, vouchers, and receipts. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Supports the day-to-day administration of the Professional Services Division, including: 

  • Working with SSEC staff to develop proposals for grants and gifts to support the work of the Services Division. 
  • Gathering and analyzing evaluation data. 
  • Attending and contributing to meetings on behalf of the SSEC. 
  • Purchasing products and services as needed to support high quality educational programs. 

The successful candidate will be expected to travel to venues nationwide and internationally and provide on-site assistance at SSEC events with audiences that include leaders in education, district science specialists and classroom teachers. 

Qualifications 

  • A demonstrated passion for science, education, and sustainability. 
  • Experience working in cross-cultural and international environments.  
  • Bachelor’s degree preferably in a natural science, sustainability studies, education, or related field preferred but not required.  
  • Ability to plan and organize work and work with a team, often under the challenges of multiple projects and short deadlines. 
  • Ability to interact and negotiate diplomatically, effectively, collaboratively, and on a sustained basis with Smithsonian Institution staff members, donors, sponsors, participants and SSEC Advisory Board members. 
  • Skilled in writing and thorough knowledge of Standard English grammar and usage. 
  • Knowledge of an additional language is preferred.  
  • Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly verbally and to effectively translate scientific information into written materials. 
  • A great sense of humor and passion for educational innovation. 

How to Apply: 

Send by email only: cover letter, resume in chronological format only, and salary requirements to SSEC-HR@si.edu.  Reference in the subject line of your email: Program Assistant. 

 

Finance Specialist

We are currently seeking a Finance Specialist. This position is located in the Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Science Education Center, Finance and Administration Division, and supports budget formulation and execution, procurement, and other financial and accounting matters.  The incumbent also analyzes current and/or required accounting systems to redefine the systems to fit changing needs or conditions.  

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Trust Appointment, not a Federal position. Appointment background investigation is required. This position is located in Washington, DC.   

Duties 

Procurement 

  • Advises SSEC staff on procurement options and procedures. Works with SSEC staff to analyze purchasing situations, and the Office of Contracting when necessary, to identify and implement procurement solutions. 
  • Reviews purchase requests for Smithsonian Institution simplified acquisitions that are within and exceed the incumbent’s delegation of authority.  
  • Approves Purchase Card transactions.  
  • Reviews and approves Travel Authorizations and Vouchers in Concur Travel System. 

Grant Budget Formulation & Management   

  • Performs budget formulation duties involved in the process of preparing detailed analyses and estimates of funding needs for potential project budgets;   
  • Provides advice and guidance and answers grant and contract related questions and finds solutions to unusual problems.   
  • Monitors expenses by resolving financial administrative problems in accordance with the funding agency requirements, Smithsonian policy and procedures, and sound management practices.   
  • Analyzes and adjusts monthly grants/contracts data for accuracy consistent with financial statement records. Prepares a variety of reports of internal and external use. 

Financial Management  

  • Provides analysis and advice to Division Director of Finance and Administration on financial matters associated with the management and control of resources or funds.  
  • Supplies financial statements to program managers for informational and financial planning purposes and prepares a wide variety of operating reports.  
  • Performs duties involving the analysis and forecasting of the acquisition and usage of funds within assigned program activities.  
  • Manages the deposit of the cash, checks, and credit card income and reconciles the account with the accounting office. Works with the Cash Management Office, Office of Finance and Accounting, and Office of Advancement to ensure that all funds received are deposited correctly and in a timely manner.  

General Support for Finance & Administration Division 

  • Develops and maintains relationships with staff in Smithsonian Office of Contracting, Office of the Comptroller, Property, Office of Sponsored Projects, etc. 
  • Communicates information effectively with internal and external vendors, consultants and the SI Office of Contracting. 
  • Develops effective partnerships and relationships with staff representing Smithsonian units as well as external organizations needed to sustain and advance the work of the SSEC. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

Desired Skills: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field of study preferred but not required 
  • Minimum three years of related experience 
  • Must have knowledge of cost accounting principles 
  • Knowledge of Federal grant management processes and working knowledge of Federal OMB circulars (A-110, A-122, and A-133) a plus 
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel 
  • Experience with PeopleSoft a plus 
  • Skills in managing detailed budgets and expense tracking 
  • Must have strong writing and verbal communication skills 
  • Independent problem solver 
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

How to Apply: 

Send by email only: cover letter, resume in chronological format only, and salary requirements to SSEC-HR@si.edu.  Reference in the subject line of your email: Finance Specialist.