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The incumbent serves as Director, Archives of American Art (AAA or Archives), with responsibility for the overall planning, development, direction, and management of all programs and activities of the Archives. The Director will envision and lead the ongoing effort to ensure increased public access to the Archives and new collection acquisitions, including overseeing the continued digitization of the collections, and identifying new distribution channels and technologies.
Learn more about this agency12/07/2021 to 03/04/2022
$218,050 - $230,000 per year
SY 00
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
No
Permanent - This is not a Federal position, but has similar requirements and benefits.
Full-time
Competitive
00
Yes
No
EX-22-04
630326800
This position is open to all applicants with the right to work in the United States
Provides executive leadership and direction to all departments of the Archives in the planning, development, and management of the Archives programs and activities. Formulates a vision for the Archives to achieve its overall mission, defines program goals, objectives, and priorities, in keeping with the Archives’ commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access; and issues policy guidelines, as appropriate, for program operations and consistent with extant Archives’ and Smithsonian strategic plans. Develops and monitors short- and long-range program plans covering all aspects of the Archives operations, including new acquisitions, collections management, conservation, digitization, and dissemination, fundraising, external affairs, research, publications, exhibits, public service, and facilities management, where applicable. Makes major policy decisions concerning the Archives programs, including matters relating to budget, staffing, organization, and facilities.
Develops and maintains standards and criteria for program development and execution. Reviews and evaluates proposals for new projects and initiatives or major shifts or expansions in existing programs. Approves or disapproves such proposals and provides leadership and guidance on improving the proposed programs. Continually evaluates program operations and initiatives and directs management studies to achieve improvements.
Plans and directs effective fundraising initiatives to support the Archives programs and operations. These efforts involve working closely with the Board of Trustees and identifying needs, assigning priorities and locating potential donors from private, corporate and foundation sources. Plans and participates in the Smithsonian’s current national campaign, coordinates efforts with appropriate Smithsonian leadership and offices, and provides strategies to meet the Archives campaign goal.
Oversees the development, justification, presentation, allocation, execution, and control of the annual operating budget for the Archives. Develops budget projections that reflect long-range planning for new and ongoing programs. Reviews budget justifications for and presentation of proposed budgets to the Smithsonian’s Office of Planning, Management and Budget, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congress. Continually evaluates the Archives operations and services, and initiatives or directs management studies to achieve improvements.
Directs and coordinates the activities of the Archives staff in Washington, D.C., New York City, and working remotely. Develops and implements operating policy, standards, and procedures to assure the continued high quality of staff performance. Develops and administers policies to achieve management objectives in such areas as staff development, labor management, employee relations, affirmative action, and equal employment opportunity. Assures that direct reports and subordinate supervisors effectively carry out their supervisory responsibilities. Reviews recommendations for personnel actions affecting key subordinates, and acts on major personnel problems referred. Initiates and directs major studies to improve organization, staffing, and operations.
Works closely with the Archives' Board of Trustees, its Chair, Executive Committee and various other committees to develop a strategic plan, broad operating objectives and policies, and overall fundraising goals and priorities. Provides leadership and collaboration in the Board’s efforts in raising the profile and public awareness of the Archives and in developing national constituencies supportive of the Archives and the Smithsonian. Works closely with the Board Chair on revisions to the Board’s by-laws and on the development of appropriate agendas for all Board meetings, including meetings of committees.
Per the ethos of “One Smithsonian,” encourages, explores, and develops joint programs in cooperation with other Smithsonian museums, research and educational organizations especially with regard to those areas identified in the Smithsonian Strategic Plan, as well as with universities, federal organizations, non-Smithsonian museums, and other cultural organizations, including arts institutions within minority communities. Assures the Archives representation at national and international conferences and meetings, and on national and international art committees. Renders expert advice and consultation to federal agencies, professional and other organizations.
Attends high-level Smithsonian policy meetings and conferences, making significant contributions to the development of Smithsonian policy and priorities. Testifies at Congressional hearings on budget requests and other matters as required.
Conditions of Employment
You must be fully vaccinated for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
–OR–
Have an approved Reasonable Accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements. Please see additional information regarding reasonable accommodations below.
The Smithsonian Institution has a mandate requiring all employees (federal and trust), affiliated staff (including volunteers, interns, and fellows), and the contractors who work with us to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., onsite, telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Smithsonian Institution, if after November 22. The Smithsonian Institution will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exemption from this requirement. This requirement applies to employees, affiliated staff, contractors who are working on-site, and those teleworking in whole or in part. Limited exemptions to the Smithsonian Institution’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate will be considered on a case-by-case basis for selected candidates who inform the Smithsonian that they cannot be vaccinated because of a disability, including certain medical conditions the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers contraindications to the vaccine, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Additional information and instructions regarding Smithsonian’s COVID-19 mandate will be provided at the time of selection.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary level of managerial and leadership skills and competence to perform successfully in this position. This includes a degree in an applicable subject-matter field, or a combination of education and appropriate experience that provides knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a four-year course of study in an applicable subject-matter field. Advanced degree in art history or a related field with expertise in American art history preferred.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
In addition, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 level. Specialized experience is defined as the demonstrated knowledge and leadership skills as it relates to managing programs and initiatives of a large museum, cultural or research organization.
The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Demonstrated skill in overseeing a range of programs that presents the history of visual arts in America, including, but not limited to educational and outreach activities, exhibitions, and online initiatives. This should include knowledge of or experience with archival or library operations.
2. Skill in management and supervision, including budget formulation and execution, supervision of staff, financial management, and oversight of procurement.
3. Demonstrated acumen with initiating, developing and stewarding relationships with board members, individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations and government funders. This should include a successful track record of raising funds from individuals, foundations, corporations and governmental organizations through gifts, grants and partnerships.
4. Demonstrated skills for leading and managing a multi-disciplined and culturally diverse workforce, including fostering teamwork and high morale, attracting, retaining, and mentoring staff, fellows, interns and volunteers, and implementing EEO/Affirmative Action policies and programs.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent reports to the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution. Within broad policy guidelines and established objectives, the incumbent independently develops and directs all aspects of the Archives programs and activities, exercising a high degree of managerial knowledge and ability as well as professional competence in the field of American art. Keeps the Under Secretary informed of major programs, projects, fundraising appeals and other issues. Work performance is appraised primarily in terms of overall effectiveness in the attainment of program goals and objectives.
SECURITY LEVEL
This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work, the position has been determined to be HIGH RISK. This designation will require (1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and (2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and clearance in order to continue in the position.
EEO
The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMODATION
The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
RELOCATION
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The qualifications listed in this document will be used along with your resume and your responses to the questions posed in the electronic application process to determine the candidates who will move forward in the evaluation process. When crafting your responses to the questions, please provide concise, detailed information on your background and experience.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to the major duties and qualifications criteria listed for this position.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment.
Resume
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply:
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
After you apply and the position has closed, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We usually have a large response to senior level positions and it may take some time to effectively review application packages. We will contact you by email as decisions are made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/630326800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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