The Director, Office of Protection Services (OPS), is the principal advisor to the Smithsonian Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries and to the directors of Smithsonian museum, research and administrative entities, for security, protection and law enforcement matters affecting the Institution. The OPS Director is responsible for leading a 24-hour day security organization for facilities housing over 6,000 employees and attracting approximately 30 million visitors annually.
Summary
The Director, Office of Protection Services (OPS), is the principal advisor to the Smithsonian Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries and to the directors of Smithsonian museum, research and administrative entities, for security, protection and law enforcement matters affecting the Institution. The OPS Director is responsible for leading a 24-hour day security organization for facilities housing over 6,000 employees and attracting approximately 30 million visitors annually.
This position is open to all applicants with the right to work in the United States.
Note: This position is advertised through three announcements: 1) this Trust (non-federal position);
2) a Competitive Service announcement, #EX-26-03, and;
3) a Merit Promotion announcement, #EX-26-04. Only one vacancy exists, and a selection will be made from the eligible candidates from one of the announcements.
Serves as principal advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries, and senior leadership on all major security, protection, and law enforcement matters affecting the Smithsonian Institution (SI). Provides authoritative guidance on program issues; formulates SI-wide policies; establishes program goals and objectives; and develops resource plans to support strategic priorities. Offers advice on a range of sensitive issues and critical developments related to 1) planning and directing OPS programs; 2) achieving and sustaining operational effectiveness; 3) developing strategies to meet emerging and priority needs; and 4) assessing and addressing the impact of operational or environmental changes on program initiatives and priorities.
Leads, directs, coordinates, and integrates all OPS programs and responsibilities related to protection, security services, security systems, and New York City operations. Core functions include:
- Ensures comprehensive readiness of protection staff to effectively address a full range of security threats and emergencies. Oversees optimal deployment of security personnel; reviews and approves special procedures for protecting the President, White House officials, and visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries; coordinates closely with the Secret Service, National Park Service (NPS), and D.C. Police and Fire Depts; and ensures safe, secure transport of priceless artifacts. - Promotes a proactive security culture by engaging senior leadership and staff, delivering appropriate training, and advising curators, museum shop managers, and other personnel on best practices for safeguarding valuable property during public and nonpublic hours. - Ensures OPS maintains robust coordination and communication capabilities within OPS and across SI in response to institutional emergencies such as civil disturbances, terrorist activity, natural disasters, or workplace violence. - Oversees comprehensive investigations of reported or suspected violations of criminal statutes in the U.S., D.C., or other jurisdictions where high‑value SI collections are located. Ensures appropriate referral to or coordination with the Office of Inspector General and external law‑enforcement agencies. Directs investigations of accidents, property damage, probable arson, and sabotage; conducts facility security surveys; and oversees the SI parking program. - Planning and Response: Provides leadership for development, implementation, and continuous improvement of institutional emergency preparedness plans and response capabilities. - Oversees identification, analysis, and mitigation of security risks to safeguard personnel, property, and collections.
Directs, through subordinate supervisors, a staff of 720 employees and more than 200 contractors across a wide range of professional, technical, administrative, and protective disciplines. Provides policy direction and technical leadership to ensure efficient, cost‑effective operations. Collaboratively establishes and evaluates performance standards, recognizing excellence and taking appropriate actions to address performance issues. Fosters and sustains a workplace culture that reflects progressive leadership practices and supports a high‑performing and accountable organization.
Oversees strategic and business planning, goal setting, quality implementation, performance measurement, and modernization efforts to ensure alignment with SI’s goals. Initiates and directs long‑ and short‑range studies to address evolving requirements and priorities. Engages with management and museum partners to understand needs, identify improvement opportunities, coordinate input, establish priorities, and assess progress on major initiatives. Evaluates effectiveness and drives continuous improvement.
Oversees and manages Federal appropriations and trust funds for OPS, ensuring strong financial stewardship and compliance. Maintains effective controls to monitor expenditures, stay within budgeted levels, and ensure financial and reporting systems are accurate and responsive. Adheres to relevant SI financial management policies and directives.
Carries out representational and liaison responsibilities. Represents SI at high‑level policy meetings and conferences on matters related to protection services. Speaks on behalf of SI before senior leadership, the Regents’ Audit and Review Committee, congressional committees, OMB, jurisdictional authorities, and professional associations. Maintains relationships with the White House, State Department, Secret Service, DOT, NPS, FBI, D.C. Police and Fire Depts and other public‑sector and law‑enforcement agencies.
Maintains awareness of emerging trends and best practices across the public and private sectors and integrates applicable advancements into SI programs.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
Meets the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below.
Qualifications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS A degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, 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 managing a comprehensive security and protection program 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 providing executive leadership in the direction, planning, development and implementation of programs, policies, and priorities related to law enforcement/security and emergency management programs for a large, geographically dispersed organization. Experience should include programs such as basic law enforcement training, weapons training, physical security, and criminal investigation.
2. Advanced written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by being able to deal with diverse audiences in difficult circumstances such as testifying in court or being deposed. Ability to deliver a controversial message to an audience while maintaining composure under pressure. Ability to make clear presentations to the highest levels of institutional leadership as well as to entry level staff.
3. Demonstrated skill in building cooperative relationships between colleagues and organizations within your oversight, and with stakeholders inside and outside the Institution. This includes ability to develop, sustain and leverage relationships with key managers as well as build relationships with critical external partners (i.e., Law Enforcement agencies, National Park Service, etc.) and establish a presence in the professional community.
4. Demonstrated management experience and skill in the development and administration of budgets, creating strategic plans, goal setting, and implementation of results-based programs or performance measures that have increased productivity.
5. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a high-performing, multi-disciplinary workforce, including building and sustaining a positive work environment, setting clear expectations, holding staff accountable, and attracting, developing, and motivating employees. Experience should include fostering teamwork, addressing performance or conduct issues, and reinforcing a culture of professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Additional information
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The Director, Office of Protection Services, provides administrative direction in terms of broad guidance on overall policy, program objectives, and delegated authority. Within this framework, the incumbent independently develops and directs all aspects of security programs and activities, exercising a high degree of material knowledge and professional competence to manage facilities security and protection programs. Major policy questions or controversial issues are discussed with the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration/CFO for decision or guidance. Keeps the Under Secretary informed of all significant program activities and potential problems. Work performance is appraised in terms of overall effectiveness in achieving 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 Special Sensitive/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.
RELOCATION Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits program for both Federal and Trust employees. See www.sihr.si.edu for details. We also offer a rich program of services and opportunities to balance and enhance your work life. They include: Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (an accredited educational program for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years), transportation benefits, professional interest groups, employee advocacy groups, special events such as brown bag lunches, an annual picnic on the Mall, an annual holiday party, free lectures, behind-the-scenes tours and employee discounts at our theaters, shops and after hours events. These and other programs have made the Smithsonian one of the top 10 places to work in the government.
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.
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.
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.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits program for both Federal and Trust employees. See www.sihr.si.edu for details. We also offer a rich program of services and opportunities to balance and enhance your work life. They include: Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (an accredited educational program for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years), transportation benefits, professional interest groups, employee advocacy groups, special events such as brown bag lunches, an annual picnic on the Mall, an annual holiday party, free lectures, behind-the-scenes tours and employee discounts at our theaters, shops and after hours events. These and other programs have made the Smithsonian one of the top 10 places to work in the government.
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.
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
Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012
United States
Next steps
After you apply, 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 package. We will contact you by e-mail as decisions are made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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
Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012
United States
Next steps
After you apply, 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 package. We will contact you by e-mail as decisions are made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
