Summary 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. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Responsibilities The incumbent fulfills the role of confidential assistant/liaison for the Deputy Director, supporting the operational functions of the office. The incumbent supports and advises the Deputy Director on numerous projects and programs within the office and advises on status of the same. The incumbent facilitates, coordinates and monitors completion and distribution of oral and written reports and proposals. In this position, you will: Serve as the principal assistant and advisor providing advice in the review, evaluation and coordination of all activities and assignments requiring the attention of the Deputy Director. Assist the Deputy Director with the coordination of special and ongoing projects with outside organizations such as universities, research organizations and foundations. Develops project plans, timelines and estimates. Conduct background research on matters important to the Deputy Director; writes talking points for public engagements; writes and edits documents, reports and/or other materials to assist in preparing the Deputy Director for meetings, discussions, presentations and conferences. Review the work of and is responsible for working with the NMAAHC Finance Office ensuring that budget and financial materials for the Deputy Director are completed/responded to in a timely manner. Work in tandem with the Deputy Director to ensure smooth and continuing communications and liaisons with a wide range of colleagues within the Smithsonian, executives and managers in subordinate organizations, and representatives of numerous external organizations, both nationally and internationally. Requirements Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. U.S. citizenship Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met by the closing date of the announcement. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. Qualifications Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-XX level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as working as a confidential assistant and advisor to an executive; tracking project deadlines; managing budgets; and performing research and analysis of information for inclusion into reports. 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 may be substituted for the required experience: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher 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. 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. Education There are no educational requirements for this position. Additional Information This position is included in the bargaining unit. Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and, Beginning and ending dates of appointment. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.