NOTE: The closing date has been extended to 6/16/17.
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is currently seeking an Associate Director for Museum Learning and Programs to support educational activities for both museum locations: Washington, D.C. and New York City, NY. There is only one opening, but that position location can be at either museum in Washington, D.C. or New York.
The National Museum of the American Indian is responsible for affirming to Native communities and the non-Native public, the historical and contemporary culture and cultural achievements of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. This is accomplished by advancing, in consultation with both Native communities and the non-Native public, a sense of collaboration and cooperation, a knowledge and understanding of their cultures, including art, history, and language, and by recognizing the Museum's special responsibility, through innovative public programming, research, and collections, to protect, support, and enhance the development, maintenance, and perpetuation of Indigenous culture and community.
This position is responsible for planning, developing and implementing education programming at NMAI in various forms for onsite audiences at the NMAI’s museums in Washington, D.C. and New York City, as well as with online audiences. Education programming and products are wide-ranging and include: 1) materials developed to support the Museum’s exhibition interpretation program for museum visitors; 2) curriculum-based products targeting visiting school groups, families, and online audiences; 3) educational components to support the Museum’s onsite cultural programming; and 4) seminar and symposium development. This position works across and with all departments at NMAI to ensure the infusion of educational perspectives in all of the Museum’s programs and products.
Summary
NOTE: The closing date has been extended to 6/16/17.
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is currently seeking an Associate Director for Museum Learning and Programs to support educational activities for both museum locations: Washington, D.C. and New York City, NY. There is only one opening, but that position location can be at either museum in Washington, D.C. or New York.
The National Museum of the American Indian is responsible for affirming to Native communities and the non-Native public, the historical and contemporary culture and cultural achievements of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. This is accomplished by advancing, in consultation with both Native communities and the non-Native public, a sense of collaboration and cooperation, a knowledge and understanding of their cultures, including art, history, and language, and by recognizing the Museum's special responsibility, through innovative public programming, research, and collections, to protect, support, and enhance the development, maintenance, and perpetuation of Indigenous culture and community.
This position is responsible for planning, developing and implementing education programming at NMAI in various forms for onsite audiences at the NMAI’s museums in Washington, D.C. and New York City, as well as with online audiences. Education programming and products are wide-ranging and include: 1) materials developed to support the Museum’s exhibition interpretation program for museum visitors; 2) curriculum-based products targeting visiting school groups, families, and online audiences; 3) educational components to support the Museum’s onsite cultural programming; and 4) seminar and symposium development. This position works across and with all departments at NMAI to ensure the infusion of educational perspectives in all of the Museum’s programs and products.
The incumbent serves as principal advisor to the Director on all matters relating to learning activities and efforts at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). Collaborates with the Director on overall education planning, policies, resources and implementation. Takes the lead in developing comprehensive education and outreach vision for the Museum; onsite visitor experiences; and electronic education at NMAI. Creates and implements short- and long-term plans to guide museum education and engagement of visitors (both in person and online). Provides oversight and overall direction for Native Knowledge 360º, the Museum’s national educational initiative designed to promote and inspire improved educational curricula and standards related to American Indians. Maintains close working relationships with other NMAI Associate Directors to ensure full integration of planning and activities throughout NMAI.
Both directly and through subordinate supervisors, leads the staff, interns, volunteers and contractors to ensure creative, quality and audience-sensitive educational activities and programs. Implements the Museum’s strategic plan and priorities, relying on a knowledge of educational practices and procedures in museums and a knowledge of education theories. Assures appropriate collaboration with curatorial and other staff (administrative, programs, special events and development) in all areas relating to museum education initiatives. Assures an effective process of program and exhibition evaluation. Provides a vision for the Museum’s cultural programming, ensuring that developed programs include defined educational components that target a wide array of museum visitors. Provides oversight of the Museum’s seminars and symposia program, ensuring that seminars and symposia support broader museum programs or initiatives. Incumbent’s work is based on a thorough knowledge of the way visitors learn and respond to museum settings and the variety of educational strategies available to accommodate them. Work includes analysis and evaluation of audience needs and trends in the field of museum learning and visitor experience.
Through the Assistant Directors, the incumbent manages approximately 55 staff, 5-10 seasonal interns, 200 volunteers and a variety of contractors. Professional staff levels range from Museum Technicians to Assistant Director positions in the following departments: Cultural Interpreters, Visitor Services, imagiNATIONS Activity Centers at the NMAI-DC and NMAI-NY, Native Knowledge 360º, Education, Community Programs, Seminars and Symposia, Internships, and Program Support.
The incumbent develops and implements operating policies, standards and procedures. Establishes goals, articulates priorities, develops schedules, and assigns work. Develops performance standards for subordinate supervisors and evaluates their performance. Reviews and approves recommendations for personnel actions and acts to resolve major personnel problems. Assures appropriate use of financial and human resources and implements museum policies in safety, diversity and other management requirements. Establishes a leadership style that emphasizes open and clear written and oral communications within the office, between offices, and through appropriate supervisory channels.
Represents the Director as required at a variety of meetings and conferences, with delegated authority to commit the museum to programs and courses of action. Serves as a contributing member of Museum Advisory Council, the Exhibition Assessment Group, and the Publications Assessment Group. Represents the Museum on all educational matters.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service
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Qualifications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS A degree in Education, Museum Education, Native American Studies, History, Management, or a related field; or a combination of education and appropriate experience that provides knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a four year course of study in an applicable subject matter field.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
In addition, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 level. Specialized experience is defined as the demonstrated knowledge and leadership skills as they relate to educational programming/activities, audience development, interpretation, digital learning and public engagement of a large museum or cultural organization.
The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Experience in leading and supporting a program related to education and public engagement that consists of visitor orientation and guest services, K-12 outreach and digital learning, audience development and public programs.
2. Ability to lead and manage strategic priorities and initiatives related to education and audience development. This should include local, national, and international audiences both onsite and online.
3. Skill in leading and managing a multi-disciplined and culturally diverse workforce, including developing team work and high morale; attracting, retaining, motivating, and providing guidance; and implementing EEO/Affirmative Action policies and programs for a highly performing team.
Additional information
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent reports to the Museum Director, who provides broad guidance on overall policy, program objectives and delegated authority. The Director is kept informed of all significant program activities and potential problems and is consulted on major policy questions or controversial issues. Work performance is evaluated in terms of effectiveness in achieving program and museum goals.
SECURITY LEVEL This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work, the position has been determined to be Public Trust/HIGH RISK. This designation will require 1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and 2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and favorable adjudication in order to continue in the position.
EEO The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The qualifications listed in this document will be used along with your resume and your responses to the questions posed in the electronic application process to determine the candidates who will move forward in the evaluation process. When crafting your responses to the questions, please provide concise, detailed information on your background and experience.
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:
Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies set forth above.
Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies set forth above.
Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies set forth above to a substantive degree.
This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.
Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAJOBS system will not be considered for this position.
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 supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to the major duties and qualifications criteria listed for this position.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment. To preview questions please click here.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
Proof of prior federal service such as the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, if applicable.
Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR
You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system-generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system-generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
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.
SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
POB 37012, 600 Maryland Avenue, MRC 517
Suite 5060
Washington, DC 20013-7012
US
Next steps
After you apply and the position has closed, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We usually have a large response to senior level positions and it may take some time to effectively review application packages. We will contact you by email as decisions are made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
Proof of prior federal service such as the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, if applicable.
Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR
You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system-generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system-generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
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.
SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
POB 37012, 600 Maryland Avenue, MRC 517
Suite 5060
Washington, DC 20013-7012
US
Next steps
After you apply and the position has closed, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We usually have a large response to senior level positions and it may take some time to effectively review application packages. We will contact you by email as decisions are made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
