Education Program Specialist (Astronomy), IS-1720-09

Job Description

Job Description

Description

OPEN DATE: August 5, 2026

CLOSING DATE: August 24, 2026 *This announcement will remain open until 200 applications have been received. As a result, it may close prior to the posted closing date. *

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low-Risk

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.

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is one of over 20 units that comprise the Smithsonian Institution - including museums, libraries, research centers, publications, web presence and the national zoo - and is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge to enlighten, inspire, and engage individuals of all ages. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials, and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe. Its research and outreach activities serve all audiences, within and beyond its walls.

Learning at the National Air and Space Museum sparks curiosity and empowers learners to imagine the possibilities of our future. The Museum commemorates the past and is committed to educating and inspiring audiences to foster an appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity.

NASM is administered as one Museum in the virtual space as well as at multiple physical locations: the National Mall Building; the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia; and the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland. NASM provides access to the nation’s aviation and space flight history onsite and virtually to millions.

Information about the role:

This position is in the Education Department under the Education and Visitor Experience Directorate of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), at the Smithsonian Institution. The position is responsible for supporting astronomy subject matter and learning opportunities in the education department’s work to educate and engage audiences of all ages.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the development and implementation of astronomy-specific learning resources for all audiences including families, children, young adults, and educators, with emphasis on creating new audiences.
• Facilitates astronomy learning using observatory, planetarium, and telescopes.
• Works with curatorial staff to ensure accuracy of astronomy teaching and devises strategies to infuse astronomy education into all the Museum’s programming, contributing to a science education plan centered on comprehensive topics portrayed in exhibition halls within the institution.
• Reads and interprets academic reports; policies, and other documents that provide awareness of techniques, pressing issues, or other matters in the field of astronomy to integrate into subject matter developed by the institution.
• Supports and engages teams of specialists and volunteers responsible for the development of activities and materials, and operations of the observatory.
• Supports developing grant reports.
• Conducts ongoing evaluations to ensure programs and exhibitions meet audiences' needs for astronomy engagement and Museum goals.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education (if positive education is required) and Experience:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level, demonstrating the ability to lead, plan, coordinate, and manage educational programs. Qualified applicants should have experience developing and implementing learning initiatives, engaging diverse audiences, and supporting program goals through effective educational planning and delivery.

Candidates must also possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and/or three to five years of related professional experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered. Applicants with strong program management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills are encouraged to apply.

Experience required for this position includes but is not limited to:

• Knowledge of concepts, techniques, and methodologies used to educate and enhance the understanding of routine to intermediate topics regarding astronomy.
• Knowledge of the grant review and evaluation process to ensure they accurately reflect the learning outcomes of programs, exhibits, and installations.
• Skill working in a team-based environment, helping to coordinate the work efforts of multiple individuals and shape learning outcomes. Knowledge of astronomy as well as educational plan design and implementation to ensure that interactive programming, educational materials, and other resources diffuse the understanding of astronomy for children, adults, and other groups visiting the NASM.
• Skill in communicating, briefing, or presenting topics associated with astronomy; developing curriculum and learning materials; and drafting content used in grant proposals.
• Familiarity with the use of astronomy specific equipment such as telescopes, planetariums, observatories, and astronomy software.
• Familiar with the grant review and evaluation process to ensure they accurately reflect the learning outcomes of programs, exhibits, and installations.

Work Environment

Work is typically in an office setting, with public presentations and activities taking place in museum education facilities, museum observatory, museum exhibits, professional conferences, and electronic classrooms. Note that up to 25% of work is done outdoors, year-round.

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 [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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer . To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: