Job Description

Cooper hewitt Education specialist

OPEN DATE: January 13, 2025               

CLOSING DATE: January 24, 2025             

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed One (1) Year    

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Open to all Qualified Applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

View full job posting here: https://trustcareers.si.edu/postings/f663853a-9706-4df3-a5c3-23082c983fb9

Overview

This position is located within the Learning & Audience Engagement Department, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI). Located in New York City, the CHDSM is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Cooper Hewitt serves K-12 students, educators, families, and adults with innovative educational experiences. The mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of design and design thinking by creatively engaging them in design and design literacy.

The primary purpose of the position is to execute the administrative duties of the programs and initiatives in their purview, and with close supervision and guidance from the supervisor and/or higher graded employees, develops, coordinates, promotes, and delivers content for Adult Public Program audiences. Important aspects of the position are to ensure detailed planning and administrative oversight to lead to successful programs and initiatives, such as the National Design Awards (NDA).

Duties and responsibilities

• Under close supervision and guidance, the incumbent assists with the development, evaluation, and delivery of adult education experiences, including activities, programs, and products for audiences with varied levels of competency in design. Assists with project management at various stages of development, including assistance with planning programs and activities, design, development, testing, and evaluation of activities.  Receives developmental guidance from members of the Learning team and staff from all areas of Cooper Hewitt as well as related Smithsonian Museum staff and curators to help audiences engage with design, design processes and the power of design to address complex problems.  Serves on working groups or other committees which develop educational activities, programs, and/or products, such as exhibitions, and online resources.
• Coordinates all details of program execution, including working with internal and external teams such as facilities, security, visitor experience, audio visual, and all other relevant teams to ensure smooth delivery of public programs.  In partnership with the program supervisor, trains fellows, interns, and contractors for programs, ensuring that all programs are delivered at a high quality.  Stays abreast with the trends in design and design education and maintains supportive relationships with various organizations for the purposes of professional development, outreach, partnerships and reputation building.  Together with managers and other LAE staff, assist at in person and virtual programs including checking people in, hosting and directing attendees, managing AV coordination, facilitating Q&As, setting up and breaking down as needed.
• Ensures timely payment of guest speakers and contractors, including executing purchase orders, processing invoices, purchasing materials, arranging travel for invitational guests, and making sure contractors are up to date in relevant Smithsonian vendor databases. Tracks all programmatic expenses using spreadsheets and/or financial management software and contributes to programmatic brainstorming and program development. Arranges or confirms upcoming travel logistics for staff in serviced office and prepares applicable documentation (e.g., notification of foreign travel, sponsored travel).
• Travel may be required on a regular basis within the US (including rural areas of the US) and the greater New York City metropolitan area.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Professional knowledge of standard formal (school-based) and informal (non-school based) adult education principles, theories, and concepts to understand and contribute to programming that meets the needs of inclusive audiences.
• General knowledge of the functions and structure of a museum education department and principles related to the administration of education programs and/or activities and written materials about these areas to multiple audiences at varying levels of competency.
• Ability to deliver effective presentations and/or training sessions for adult learners.
• Ability to assists travelers and travel preparers in the preparation and review of travel logistics and requirements in accordance with travel regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to monitor, track, and run financial reports and/or data using spreadsheet and/or financial management software, to track payments, and verify budget for LAE purchases.
• Ability to use a purchase card to acquire goods and services according to organizational policy and procedures.
• Ability to present ideas and develop and execute workflow outlines for educational programs.
• Ability to co-manage and train volunteers, fellows, and interns.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.”

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next

Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

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