Public Affairs Specialist, IS-1035-09

OPEN DATE: June 11, 2026 CLOSING DATE: July 2, 2026 POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive/Low Risk Who May Apply: 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.

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. S.

is not required to apply.

Requirements

within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG) is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge.

We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research. In order to fulfill its mission, HMSG develops collaborative relationships with institutions and organizations within the Smithsonian, the United States, and abroad. The collection consists of approximately 13,000 objects of modern and contemporary art, consisting of paintings, sculptures, variable media, and works on paper.

The Public Affairs Specialist is located in the Office of Communications and Marketing, which has responsibility for directing, planning, and coordinating the communications and promotion of the museum’s mission, activities, and accomplishments to its audiences. The incumbent prepares informational materials, serves as a media contact, and formulates and implements outreach to media, influential publics and stakeholders, and drafts and supports marketing plans for assigned exhibitions, initiatives, and programs. Strong writing and organizational skills are essential.

Public Affairs · Develops media plans, to include the calendar for outreach, the story or theme relevant to individual media segments, and the methods to distribute the themes. · Compiles and tracks media coverage of the museum to evaluate success of the plans and methods. · Responds to inquiries from the media by providing information packets and factual verifications.

As necessary, determines the nature of the information required for responses, conducts research to locate additional appropriate materials, and collects material including short original video and photos for pitching, public awareness, and promotional use. · Provides information and responses according to media plans and Smithsonian policies.