Program Specialist, IS-0301-09

OPEN DATE: August 4th, 2026                    CLOSING DATE: August 25th, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date).              POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund APPOINTMENT TYPE: Trust Indefinite - Promotion Potential to IS-0301-11

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.  The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.  It acquires, maintains and preserves objects which document social, cultural, political, military, technological and scientific developments in the U.S. related to the African American experience.  This position is located in the Office of Collections, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Under Secretary of Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI).

The Program Specialist performs administrative and analytical work with emphasis on procurement administration, financial management support, travel program administration, correspondence management, and related operational processes supporting the overall operations of assigned NMAAHC offices. In this position, you will: Review procurement requests and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with established procedures and regulations.

Coordinate procurement actions with contracting officials, vendors, and internal staff to facilitate timely processing.   Maintain travel records, track travel activity, and provide guidance regarding travel requirements and procedures.  Review travel authorizations, vouchers, and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.  Support budget tracking activities and provide administrative assistance related to financial management processes.  Review financial transactions, reports, and supporting documentation for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.  IS-09: At a minimum, this position requires one year of specialized experience Assisting in preparing procurement documentation, requisitions, or statements of work; Maintaining travel records, tracking travel activity, or providing guidance regarding travel requirements and procedures; Supporting budget tracking activities and providing administrative assistance.

Or

Education:

Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related 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.
• 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."   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.
• The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.
• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected].
• 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 .
• To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo