The Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions oversees management and policy-setting for the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) departments of Collections Management (including archives, imaging and photograph services, registration, and provenance), Conservation and Scientific Research, Curatorial, and Exhibitions. The incumbent reports to the Director and often represents the NMAA in a variety of settings, including communication with senior leadership and with the Advisory Board.
Summary
The Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions oversees management and policy-setting for the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) departments of Collections Management (including archives, imaging and photograph services, registration, and provenance), Conservation and Scientific Research, Curatorial, and Exhibitions. The incumbent reports to the Director and often represents the NMAA in a variety of settings, including communication with senior leadership and with the Advisory Board.
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.
The Deputy Director is responsible for strategies, staff, budgets, and programming related to the Museum’s collections management, conservation and scientific research, curatorial, exhibitions, and provenance areas. Serves as principal advisor to the director in matters related to museum collection activities, long and short-range program planning, and allocation of collection and exhibition-related resources. Implementing initiatives involving current programs, personnel, and management resources. The Deputy Director maintains strong, effective working relationships with both internal and external constituencies.
- Collaborates with the Director on decisions regarding the preservation and development of the collections as well as the direction of exhibitions, publications, curatorial research, and new program initiatives. Takes lead in the development of relevant resource plans and policies related to relevant budget formulation and personnel allocation.
- Develops or adapts procedures and controls so as to give the greatest support for program operations consistent with legislation, regulations, and policy requirements of the Institution and other funding agencies.
- Works with collection, conservation, curatorial and exhibition staff to develop strategies and plans that enhance external sources of funding. Works with senior staff to develop budgets and plans for exhibitions, publications, research, acquisitions, collection management and conservation that are consistent with National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) mission, goals and projected resources. Monitors progress toward goals to assure that the needed support is provided in a timely manner for individual programs and projects.
- Ensures that departmental budgets meet the guidelines established for the Smithsonian budget calls and any other regulatory requirements. Stays informed about overall budget including inter-relations and implications of organizational plans and operations. Prepares a variety of reports to conduct ongoing project budget status reviews with the Director, Deputy Director for Operations and External Affairs and senior managers. Where staff are authorized to make financial transactions, provides guidance, and ensures transactions are being processed properly.
- Manages cross-departmental teams to implement museum-wide strategic initiatives. Works with senior management team to develop museum-wide policies and procedures to ensure efficacy in cross-departmental projects. Serves as museums operations planning chief, developing emergency procedures, and acting as part of the museum emergency management team when activated. Manages and maintains coordination of services with Smithsonian central offices, including the National Collections Program, Office of Protection Services and Facilities.
- Prepares evaluations and reports that address complex issues in planning and gallery space utilization such as the actual or potential effectiveness of programs in achieving established objectives and their impact on current resources. In consultation with the Director and senior museum management, develops overall policies and guidelines to be used across the museum. Ensures a close integration of Museum planning with the Institution’s strategic plan.
Working in collaboration with the Director of Advancement, the Deputy Director of Operations and External Affairs, as well as relevant Smithsonian offices, generates and contributes to a strategy of fundraising, as well as local, national, and international collaboration with cultural and educational institutions, embassies, agencies, etc.
- Together with the Director, the Deputy Director for Operations and External Affairs, and the Chief Advancement Officer coordinates and supports the activities of the NMAA Board of Trustees.
- Collaborates with Deputy Director for Operations and External Affairs and Senior Associate Director for Research to maximize synergies between collections, exhibitions, and programing. Evaluates plans for and revision of logistical support for feasibility, efficiency, and economy.
Ensures compliance with all Smithsonian policies and directives and ensures coordination with central Smithsonian offices with regards to museums collections and research. Works with Director to alert the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture of any issues, anomalies or concerns that may affect the proper functioning and reputation of the NMAA and/or the Smithsonian.
- Develops and issues operating plans and procedures, and furnishes policy guidance and direction to subordinate supervisors, including assessment and evaluation of staff and programming. Directs research to improve relevant operations.
- As designate, acts as Director of the Museum in their absence, assuming full authority and responsibility for the overall management of the museum.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service
Meets the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below.
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 museum work or 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 knowledge and leadership skills as it relates to managing functions such as exhibitions development, research, collections development and care, publications and outreach programming of a large museum, research or cultural organization.
The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Leadership experience and familiarity with museum management and operations, including managing functions such as exhibitions, collections management, conservation and scientific research, and curatorial affairs.
2. Skills at building cooperative relationships with key management officials, boards, colleagues, collectors, artists, and the public.
3. Skills in leading at the managerial level that includes goal setting, planning, and implementing programs, and establishing metrics and reporting protocols
4. Demonstrated 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.
Additional information
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent works with general supervision from the Director, NMAA, who provides broad guidance in terms of overall policy, objectives, and priorities. Within this framework, the incumbent plans and carries out assignments with minimum direction. The incumbent must exercise a high degree of initiative, tact, and discretion in all work assignments. Work is reviewed for overall effectiveness and quality of recommendations.
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 background investigation and clearance 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.
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.
Uploaded resume or detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder
Current and former Competitive Service candidates: submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, and an additional SF-50 indicating tenure of at least one year at the GS-15 level.
SES candidates with Reinstatement eligibility based on prior Competitive Service employment: submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, and an additional SF-50 indicating Competitive Service tenure and Reinstatement eligibility.
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.
A recent performance evaluation, if requested.
Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) if you are requesting a special appointment authority, such as VEOA.
Proof of severe disability if you are requesting special placement consideration.
Proof of eligibility for a military spouse appointment, such as a permanent change station military order.
Proof of eligibility for any other special appointing authority not specifically mentioned here.
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 7001
Washington, District of Columbia 20013
United States
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.
Uploaded resume or detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder
Current and former Competitive Service candidates: submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, and an additional SF-50 indicating tenure of at least one year at the GS-15 level.
SES candidates with Reinstatement eligibility based on prior Competitive Service employment: submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, and an additional SF-50 indicating Competitive Service tenure and Reinstatement eligibility.
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.
A recent performance evaluation, if requested.
Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) if you are requesting a special appointment authority, such as VEOA.
Proof of severe disability if you are requesting special placement consideration.
Proof of eligibility for a military spouse appointment, such as a permanent change station military order.
Proof of eligibility for any other special appointing authority not specifically mentioned here.
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 7001
Washington, District of Columbia 20013
United States
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.
