Head of Programme Management

Program Coordinator, IS-0301-09
Application Deadline: 12 November 2026

Department: Smithsonian American Women's History Museum

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Head of Project Management and Exhibitions

Compensation: $70,623 - $91,815 / year

Description
OPEN DATE: October 29, 2026

CLOSING DATE: November 12, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Not to Exceed 1 year

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive/ 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.

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum expands the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women—individually and collectively to better understand our past and inspire our future. The museum’s goal is to create space for women's history on the National Mall in Washington, DC, deepen our nation's stories, and inspire conversation, connection, and change. The museum’s ultimate vision is a more representative history, a more collective future.

The Program Coordinator provides comprehensive program coordination and administrative support for the American Women’s History Initiative Pool (AWHIP) , a federal funding source that provides Institution-wide financial assistance to Smithsonian units for projects that enhance and expand:

Collection acquisitions

Collection stewardship, care, and preservation

Digital and digitization initiatives

Educational and public outreach programs

Exhibitions and related interpretive activities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Program Coordinator, you will:

Coordinating the planning, review, reporting, and accountability for AWHIP to include structuring funding reports, directing informational sessions addressing pool funds and working closely and collaboratively across multiple museums, archives, libraries, research centers and other units

Ensuring AWHIP processes are in full compliance with SI-wide criteria, regulations, policies, and procedures for pool funds

Monitoring and managing the awarded pool resources to ensure obligations and expenditures are for approved purposes

Maintaining clear, audit-ready digital files that document AWHIP program objectives and operating principles, funded and rejected proposals, panel review documentation and copies of other documentation related to the proposal review and post-award processes

Maintaining program activity/reporting trackers to meet the needs of SAWHM staff working to track, report, promote and collaborate with AWHIP recipients

Communicating to various individuals via phone and email

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: To qualify, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the IS-7 grade level or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes providing program coordination and administrative support; managing funding, tracking, and reporting processes; ensuring compliance with Smithsonian policies and procedures; maintaining accurate records and documentation; and supporting audit readiness through effective records management and program oversight.

Candidates may qualify for this position through a combination of education, demonstrated knowledge, and related professional experience.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders and diverse publics in order screen calls, direct questions, gather information and coordinate meetings and administrative activities

Knowledge of various computer applications, including word processing, database systems, spreadsheets and knowledge of the Internet to complete documents and reports

Knowledge of policy applicable to AWHIP decision making

Ability to maintain a high level of tact and diplomacy in interacting with a variety of internet and external contacts

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced work environment

Skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration and resolution of issues of a procedural nature

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.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.

Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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