This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/626091900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The Deputy Director, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI), Smithsonian Institution, in concert with the Director provides executive leadership and direction for overall planning, development and management of Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute programs and activities.
Learn more about this agency12/09/2021 to 12/23/2021
$132,552 - $199,300 per year
SL 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
00 - N/A
Yes
No
EX-22-09
626091900
This position is open to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals. Note: The Deputy Director, NZP position is being advertised through two different announcements: 1) this Federal Competitive Service position announcement, EX-22-09, and; 2) a companion Federal Merit Promotion position, announcement EX-22-10.Only one vacancy exists, and a selection will be made from the eligible candidates from one of the announcements.
Participates with the Director to provide executive leadership and direction for overall planning, development and management of Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute programs and activities. Participates or leads the formulation of long and short-range goals and objectives and issues policy guidelines. Ensures that policies are carried out effectively. Monitors strategic goals, Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and metrics to ensure that the Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is operating at optimum performance levels.
Provides direct oversight of the financial health of the Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, monitoring the overall budget and approving out of cycle expenditures. Identifies opportunities for increased revenues, balanced with guest experience, and maximizes the use of gifts, grants, endowments and other sources of funding to ensure a fiscally viable and financially healthy organization.
Establishes a leadership style that emphasizes open and clear written and oral communications. Coach and counsel staff and encourage a team-based approach to project planning and implementation, readjusting operations to meet strategic plan initiatives, priorities and/or changing needs.
Develops and maintains standards and criteria for operational activities to include Planning and Project Management, NZP Park Operations Management, Exhibits, External Affairs, Special Events, Communications, Finance and Administration, Revenue Generation, Guest Services, Volunteer Management, and some Education activities (e.g., camps, classes).
Directs and coordinates the activities of subordinate offices and assists the Director in developing and implementing operating policy, standards and procedures. Develops and monitors policies to achieve management objectives in areas such as strategic workforce management, diversity and equal employment opportunity. Promotes policies and procedures that foster inclusive participation.
Directly supervises key senior supervisory staff to include the Associate Directors of Planning and Project Management, Park Operations, External Affairs, Finance and Administration, and Guest Experience. Executes performance management of subordinates for both individual and organizational performance. Sets and communicates goals and expectations. Reviews and approves recommendations for personnel actions affecting subordinates. Assures that subordinate supervisors effectively carry out their performance management responsibilities.
Represents the Director, as required, at a wide variety of Smithsonian policy meetings and conferences, including Congressional hearings. Exercises delegated authority to commit Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute resources or make decisions affecting Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute programs.
Consults and collaborates with and advises other Federal agencies, State, regional, and local government agencies, private associations and institutions, not-for-profit organizations, interest groups and representatives of foreign governments, zoos, and conservation organizations on agreements, requests, cooperative efforts, research and scientific inquiries of common interest.
Explores and develops joint programs in cooperation with universities, federal agencies and other SI units and research facilities. Reviews and recommends appropriate action on applications or proposals for Federal or non-federal grants or contracts to finance research, acquisition, or exhibition projects.
At the Director’s request, assumes responsibility for directing and overseeing pan-organizational projects of special interest to SNZCBI.
Serves as Acting Director of SNZCBI in the Director's absence, with full authority and responsibility for overall management of the Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Conditions of Employment
You must be fully vaccinated for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
–OR–
Have an approved Reasonable Accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements. Please see additional information regarding reasonable accommodations below.
The Smithsonian Institution has a mandate requiring all employees (federal and trust), affiliated staff (including volunteers, interns, and fellows), and the contractors who work with us to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., onsite, telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Smithsonian Institution, if after November 22. The Smithsonian Institution will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exemption from this requirement. This requirement applies to employees, affiliated staff, contractors who are working on-site, and those teleworking in whole or in part. Limited exemptions to the Smithsonian Institution’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate will be considered on a case-by-case basis for selected candidates who inform the Smithsonian that they cannot be vaccinated because of a disability, including certain medical conditions the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers contraindications to the vaccine, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Additional information and instructions regarding Smithsonian’s COVID-19 mandate will be provided at the time of selection.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary level of managerial and leadership skills and competence to perform successfully in this position. This includes a degree in an applicable subject matter 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 leadership skills in managing the financial and administrative functions of a zoological park, museum, research center or cultural organization.
The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Demonstrated experience in planning, directing and managing a zoological park, museum, science and/or research facility. This should include experience in formulating and implementing strategic priorities, goal setting, establishing metrics and reporting protocols.
2. Leadership and familiarity with museum management or similar organization, including management of functions such as facilities operation, safety, special events, volunteer management, and visitor/guest services.
3. Skill in Federal executive level budgeting and resource management
4. Demonstrated entrepreneurial ability to build relationships and lead collaborative initiatives internally and externally with organizations to leverage support for and participation in programs.
5. Skill in building cooperative relationships between colleagues and organizations within your oversight, and with stakeholders inside and outside the Institution. This includes explaining positions/solutions, both orally and in writing, and gaining acceptance by museum and/or research facility colleagues and customers/managers at all levels.
6. Specific experience that demonstrates your ability to lead and manage a multi-disciplined and culturally diverse workforce. This should include fostering teamwork and high morale; attracting, retaining and motivating employees; and implementing EEO/Affirmative Action policies and programs.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent receives administrative supervision from the Director, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, who provides broad outlines of basic policy, program objectives, and delegated authority and responsibility. The incumbent plans and carries out assigned responsibilities independently. The incumbent consults with the Director on major policy questions or controversial issues and keeps her/him informed of all significant programs and potential problems. Work performance is appraised in terms of overall effectiveness in the attainment of program goals and objectives.
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 ACCOMODATION
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.
RELOCATION
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
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.
This is a mixed series position to perform professional work that requires outstanding qualifications for both job series below:
* 0340 – Program Management Series
* 0501 – Financial Administration and Program Series
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.
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Resume
- 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.
- 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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
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.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/626091900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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