The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. This position is in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Office of External Affairs, Office of Public Affairs. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Basic Qualification: Experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience managing research projects and preparing media reports and responding to oral and written requests for information. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Or Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree related to the position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
The Public Affairs Specialist works within the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), under the direction of the Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist. OPA is responsible for publicity, promotions, and marketing of the museum and its related exhibitions, programs, collections, initiatives and research as well as crisis communicating, filming and liaison with social media and web content gathering. In this position, you will: assist in managing online media inquiries by preparing media inquiry memo and then scheduling interviews among curator and reporters. assist OPA staff with communication asset writing. Research, write and edit news releases, fact sheets, photo credits and pitch letters/emails designed to attract media coverage for the museum. develop targeted pitch lists in consultation with senior media team members. Lead scheduling and logistics for OPA’s earned media events and prepare memo for staff review and team awareness. when appropriate, establish and maintain contacts with individuals, organization representatives and outside groups desiring contact with or access in the museum’s staff or facilities. Represent the OPA at meetings inside and outside the organization as needed.