The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in National Air and Space Museum, Exhibits Design Department. The Exhibits Design Department is responsible for creating exhibitions that showcase the Museum's vast and varied collection as well as telling the stories of the diverse people and organizations that have made human achievement in flight possible.
GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as researching, writing, editing, and proofreading interpretive exhibit label scripts for museum or science center exhibitions.. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. 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.
The Writer-Editor manages all written material published in exhibitions and related multimedia production. The National Air and Space Museum has two locations, the national mall building in Washington, D.C. and the Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. This position's primary locatation is Washington, D.C, however work may be required at both locations. In this position, you will: Write and edit scripts, audio-visual materials, and related printed materials for exhibitions of aeronautical, astronomical, and space science content, and determines a specific approach and method of presentation for the particular subject matter. Draft main message and theme statements and scripts with the members of an exhibit team that include designers, curators, and educators. Ensure the targeted audience is being addressed and that the tone or level of presentation is appropriate and identifies potential areas of difficulty. Ensure continuity and consistency of the text and typography of labels throughout an exhibition.