Clarification from the agency

Open to current and former Federal employees with permanent status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may apply; such as applicants with a disability, former Peace Corps volunteers, certain military spouses, veterans seeking a VRA/VEOA appointment, or veterans who have been separated from armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service.

Physical Security Program:
Provides executive direction and leadership to the Smithsonian Institution (SI) wide physical security program which includes, but is not limited to, the SI Security Modernization and Anti-terrorism Programs, the Office of Protection Services (OPS) Capital Improvement Program, and the OPS Maintenance Program.  Directs the planning, organizing, and coordinating activities of the SI Physical Security Program; and is responsible for the development and implementation of integrated electronic security systems which include alarms, video, access control, intercoms, locks, keys, cards, barrier systems, radio systems used throughout security operations; other electronic security systems used by the Smithsonian, but operated externally; large scale physical barrier systems used throughout the Smithsonian, as well as any other technical systems (e.g., magnetometers, x-rays, hand held metal detectors, etc.) utilized by the security force to secure and protect the National Collections, visitors and staff; and other anti-terrorism measures such as blast resistance and hardening and Chemical/Biological/Radiological attack mitigation. Develops, Reviews, and maintains all SI and OPS policies and procedures associated with the physical security requirements of SI.  Policies may include Smithsonian-wide directives.  Develops, reviews, and maintains all security related design, construction, testing, acceptance, and commissioning standards for SI.  Standards are consistent with the level of risk to the SI as well as Federal guidelines.

Serves as the OPS liaison between the Smithsonian’s Office of Planning, Design and Construction (OPDC) ensuring the implementation of OPS policies, procedures and security programs.  

Identity Management Program: 
Serves as program manager for the SI wide Identity Management Program to ensure the appropriate access to SI facilities. Works with other OPS Division and SI units to verify the identity of SI employees and associated staff (volunteers, researchers, etc.).  Establishes SI wide identity management policies and procedures and facilitates their coordination throughout SI.  Establishes all requirements for policies, procedures, and the equipment necessary for the performance of background investigations and the issuance of official SI credentials and access to SI facilities and high security areas. 

Security Risk Management Program: 
Directs the planning, organizing, and coordinating activities associated with the SI wide Security Risk Management Program.  Plans, schedules and verifies the completion of all risk assessments of SI facilities and assets.  Maintains and updates assessments risk data based on Federal requirements and best practices.  Identifies and recommends operational mitigation measures based on assessment results.  Identifies and prioritizes projects and efforts that will be included in the SI security modernization, anti-terrorism, and multi-hazard risk mitigation programs.  Briefs SI Secretary, Under Secretaries, other SI leadership, and reviewing agencies/offices on assessment results and program status.

Undertakes a variety of representational and liaison duties.  Participates and/or represents the Institution at high-level policy meetings and conferences, making significant contributions on matters pertaining to protection services programs and activities.  Represents SI on protection services programs and activities before the Interagency Security Committee and other jurisdictional and professional societies and associations.

OPS Business Operations
Serves as the principal advisor to the OPS Director on all aspects of the OPS budget. Works closely with Smithsonian Facilities’ Finance and Administrative (FAM) office to defend and obtain approval for budget increases.  Monitors frequently changing budget developments and negotiates with Smithsonian Facilities’ FAM, the Office of Planning Management and Budget, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Contracting, and other high-level SI officials for needed adjustments. In concert with the OPS Director, develops goals and long-range plans for OPS involving allocation of resources, including personnel, funds, and space.

Information Technology:
Overall responsibility and provides executive leadership to ensure effective operation of all IT functions in conjunction with the business and operational objectives of OPS. Plans, coordinates, directs, and designs IT-related activities for OPS, as well as providing administrative direction and support for daily operations. Liaisons with Smithsonian Facilities and the Office of the Chief Information Officer decision-makers to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost effective technology solutions for all aspects of the organization.

Conditions of employment

• Pass Pre-Employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service

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.  

Qualifications

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 physical security programs, identify and security risk management programs, as well as facilitating inter-organizational cooperation, effectively managing fiscal and human resources functions for a complex, multi-facility organization. 

The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience in managing physical security programs, identify and security risk management programs. This should include experience in formulating and implementing strategic priorities, goal setting, establishing metrics and reporting protocols.

2. Expert knowledge of security and physical security related concepts, practices and procedures as well as Federal security guidelines, requirements and regulations as they relate to cultural property protection, facility security, anti-terrorism risk mitigation, risk assessment methodologies, management, and mitigation best practices, procedures, and policies.

3. Expert knowledge of construction practices involving electrical and mechanical work, state-of-the-art security technologies in areas of electronic security systems, computerized security systems, access control systems, CCTV, communication systems, security monitoring and control systems, blast hardening and mitigation, anti-ram vehicle barriers, X-ray and screening detection technology, and Chemical/Biological/Radiological attack prevention and mitigation. 

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.