Federal

Program Manager

Smithsonian Institution Β· Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
πŸ“ Washington, District of Columbia GS-14 $143,913 - $187,093/yr
Posted: Mar 3, 2026 Deadline: Mar 9, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.

This position is located organizationally in Facilities Planning and Operations, Office of Building Renovation and Exhibition Services (OBRES), National Museum of American History (NMAH), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI).

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing assistance to senior leadership in developing policy, standards, planning and management oversight for facilities operations, maintenance, security, sustainability and logistics in a museum or cultural institution. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (340) and who are in a Federal competitive service appointment as this advertised position, are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position. Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).

Major Duties

The primary purpose of this position is to oversee all integrated facility and logistics functions for NMAH, including construction, maintenance, security, safety, emergency management, landscaping, and sustainability, ensuring alignment with the museum's strategic plan. In this position, you: Provide leadership for long-term infrastructure projects, direct and evaluate the Facilities Planning and Operations Division, and advise the NMAH Director on technical and operational matters. Coordinate with multiple SI offices to develop and manage an integrated, multi-faceted facility program by identifying and communicating facility requirements and needs based on a strategic plan and priorities for research, programs, and exhibits, as well as operational needs, in consultation with cross-disciplinary staff.

Participate in and provide detailed guidance and assistance to leadership and museum staff on construction projects, including relocation plans, exhibition and office configurations, operating logistics, and support services. Lead and manage the safety program to ensure a safe facility environment for staff, contractors, fellows, interns, volunteers, and visitors using facility spaces in Washington, DC, and Maryland. Supervise several positions performing work at grades 11–13, directing, reviewing, and evaluating work to be accomplished.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.

Education

Refer to the above Basic Education Requirements is not required for this series and grade.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria: Skill applying analytical methods to complex operational, personnel, and resource issues and proficiency with automated systems and reporting requirements. Extensive knowledge of system development life-cycle policies, design and construction technologies, configuration management, and evaluation techniques.

Strong knowledge of large-scale facilities planning, design, management, and development, including advanced concepts in facility construction, renovation, and maintenance of museum environments. Expert ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and supervise interdisciplinary staff. Important

Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.

Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Additional Information

This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please

Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages.

You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process.

The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Required Documents

Your application package should include the following documents: Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted.

Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Current and former employees MUST submit a copy of their Standard Form (SF)-50, β€œNotice of Personnel Action,” that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility.

The SF-50 must include your position title, series, grade, step, salary, type of service (competitive or excepted in block 34), and tenure (1 or 2 in block 24). Please provide a SF-50 that shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade level. Examples of appropriate SF50s include: Appointments, Reassignments, Within-grade/range increases or Promotion actions.

NOTE: Pay adjustments and award SF-50s do not include the length of time in your current position, therefore, they are NOT acceptable SF-50's on their own.

You may need to provide more than one SF-50. Failure to provide the appropriate SF-50(s) may prevent you from receiving consideration for this position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Program Manager position at Smithsonian Institution ?
The salary range for this position is $143,913 - $187,093/yr. This is a GS-14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Program Manager job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing assistance to senior leadership in developing policy, standards, planning and management oversight for facilities operations, mai...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 9, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-14 mean?
GS-14 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.