Job Description
Job DescriptionDescriptionOPEN DATE: August 19, 2025 CLOSING DATE: September 19, 2025 POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent SCHEDULE: Full TimeDUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensetive
Select One of the following:
- 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.
OVERVIEWThis position is located in the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP), Under Secretary for Finance
and Administration, Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Deputy Director of the OSP serves as the
alter ego to the Director, sharing in the leadership, management, and oversight of all pre- and
post-award sponsored project activities across SI. Acting as a trusted partner and second-in-
command, the Deputy Director plays a vital role in implementing the Director's vision, ensuring
continuity of operations, and strengthening OSP's alignment with institutional goals. With
delegated authority, the Deputy Director helps carry out strategic initiatives, fosters operational
excellence, and maintains relationships with stakeholders both inside and outside the Institution.
OSP provides administrative, financial, and technical support services to educational, museum,
research, and scholarly units that seek and receive sponsored project funding. OSP serves as
Institutional liaison and primary contact with external funding and audit organizations. The Director
is responsible for maintaining central financial and data management systems, policies, and
procedures that support sponsored project administration and for planning, directing, and leading
sponsored project activities and services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESTECHNICAL DUTIES
Acts on Behalf of the Director and Delegated Authority
Serves as Acting Director in the Director's absence, exercising full delegated authority over OSP
functions. Acts as Contracting Officer under delegation, executing agreements and representing
the Director in interactions with sponsors, auditors, and internal leadership. Provides continuity of
leadership and ensures decisions align with the Director's strategic intent. Partners with the
Director to manage OSP's internal operations, enhancing systems and workflows to ensure high-
quality, compliant service delivery. Supports efforts to improve operational efficiency and resource
utilization while aligning with the Director's priorities.
Strategic Planning and Institutional Support
Assists the Director in shaping the strategic direction and mission of OSP. Collaborates in the
development of institutional research administration priorities and supports Smithsonian-wide
planning efforts. Helps implement strategies that advance OSP's goals and the Institution's
sponsored research enterprise. Assists the Director in overseeing OSP's budget and financial
activities, including cash management and indirect cost processes, and supports audit
preparedness.
Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
Represents the Director and OSP in interactions with federal agencies, foundations, and research
administration networks. Serves as a senior liaison to internal units and assists in addressing
sensitive or complex funding issues, reflecting the Director's perspectives and goals. Helps develop and manage tools, resources, and training that support Smithsonian investigators and administrators. Provides responsive and effective support in alignment with the Director's commitment to client service excellence.
Policy and Process Development and Risk Mitigation
Assists in the development and refinement of policies and processes governing sponsored project
administration. Helps interpret evolving regulations and ensures institutional policies remain
current and widely communicated. Works with the Director to promote understanding and
compliance across SI. Works with the Director to identify risk areas and implement operational and
financial control improvements. Leads initiatives to strengthen compliance and reduce institutional
exposure, particularly for high-value or high-profile agreements.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES
Staff Supervision and Development
Assists the Director in managing staff resources. Leads supervisory efforts for grants/contracts
and financial analysis personnel. Supports recruitment, professional development, and
performance management in a manner that reflects the Director's values and vision. Provides
guidance on complex or sensitive projects and ensures alignment with sponsor regulations and
institutional policies. Assists in the resolution of high-risk issues and promotes best practices in
research administration.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSEducation and Experience: Example: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess an advanced degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5 + years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience required for this position is as follows:
· Through knowledge of and management ability and experience in directing operations and
programs of a Research administration office.
· Demonstrated ability in managing complexity in a constantly changing environment.
· Experience with strategic planning, forecasting funding trends, and implementing operational
improvements on a regular basis.
· Ability to analyze government and philanthropic funding trends, assess cash flow systems, and
relevant Institutional policy and implement appropriate changes as needed.
· Knowledge of finance and operations, human resources, scholarly activities, collections, public
programs and exhibitions, grants administration, research compliance, export controls,
international project management, and management of externally funded scientific research,
education and exhibit projects.
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 OHRTRUSTBRANCH@SI.EDU. 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