Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11
full-time•Washington•$85k - $111k
About this role
Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026
Department: National Museum of African American History and Culture
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
Compensation: $85,447 - $111,087 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: January 26, 2026
CLOSING DATE: February 13, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
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 Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Add summary of unit and position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Public Affairs Specialist has primary responsibility for collecting, assembling, preparing and disseminating information concerning the various programs of the organization through the media to further the unit's reach and impact among audiences.
In this position, you will:
In this position, you will:
- respond to media inquiries and arrange interviews between media representatives and museum curators, administrators and staff.
- secure local, national, and international media coverage of special events, exhibitions, educational programs, corporate sponsorship, gifts to the Museum, major accessions, and other newsworthy events.
- write and edit press materials including news releases, media advisories, feature stories, photo captions, story pitches and other media-related materials.
- provide logistical support for new conferences and press events.
- serve as coordinator for film crews and photo shoots at the Museum: assignments include the following: tracking filming requests and contracts, making logistical arrangements, preparing clearances of all appropriate forms and memos; completing follow up including invoicing.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications: Experience that indicates you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of a Public Affairs Specialist, and that is typically in or related to the work of position. For this position the ideal candidate must possess demonstrated experience performing public affairs duties including the following: developing, implementing, and evaluating communications and/or media plans; maintaining relationships with media organizations; writing and editing materials for media distribution; producing and/or managing press conferences or media briefings.
Or, Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively high level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
Or, a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications.
Or, Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively high level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
Or, a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications.
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.
If you are found qualified for this position, you may be contacted by email to complete or submit additional assessments such as work samples, short essays, or other appropriate assessments. If you do not move to the next evaluation stage, you will be notified by email.
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 (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
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 (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
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
What you'll do
- The Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for collecting, preparing, and disseminating information about the museum's programs through various media channels. This includes responding to media inquiries, securing media coverage, and providing logistical support for press events.
About Smithsonian Institution
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Smithsonian Institution pay for a Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11?
Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive compensation package for the Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 role. The salary range is USD 85k - 111k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 do at Smithsonian Institution?
As a Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 at Smithsonian Institution, you will: the Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for collecting, preparing, and disseminating information about the museum's programs through various media channels. This includes responding to media inquiries, securing media coverage, and providing logistical support for press events..
Is the Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 position at Smithsonian Institution remote?
The Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 position at Smithsonian Institution is based in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 position at Smithsonian Institution?
You can apply for the Public Affairs Specialist IS-1035-11 position at Smithsonian Institutiondirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.