Public Relations Specialist (IS-1035-12)

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
– 403(b) 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 a 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 the 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

This position is located within the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA), Under Secretary for Science and Research, Smithsonian Institution (SI). SLA was formally established with the approval of Congress in FY 2020 through the integration of Smithsonian Libraries and Smithsonian Institution Archives. SLA’s library research collections play a dynamic role in advancing scientific and cultural understanding.

Collections acquired and managed by SLA on behalf of Smithsonian researchers provide them with the resources and infrastructure needed to participate in the cycle of scholarly communication. The archival collections document the history of the Smithsonian, from its founding in 1846 to the present, and support the Smithsonian community, scholars, and the public by acquiring, evaluating, and preserving the records of the Institution and related documentary materials.

The expert staff who manage and preserve these collections are a crucial resource for research and education communities at the Smithsonian, within the United States, and around the world. These permanent records are safeguarded and preserved in leased, specialized environments in facilities in Washington, DC, Landover, Maryland, and Iron Mountain in Boyers, Pennsylvania. Additionally, research library collections are held in SLA’s network of libraries from the Republic of Panama to New York City. SLA serves as the institutional memory of a unique cultural organization and is responsible for ensuring institutional accountability.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of this position is to increase public awareness of SLA’s activities and services and enhance the visibility of SLA and its mission. The position performs a critical role in SLA’s overall communications effort, helping to establish new partnerships and fostering an SLA-wide culture of ideation and engagement.

The incumbent is responsible for implementing and executing the day-to-day, annual, and long-term external communications and public outreach work for SLA, as directed by the SLA Director, and in accordance with SLA’s external communications strategies.

Tasks

Tasks may include:
– Planning and executing marketing campaigns
– Developing press releases
– Communication with members of the media/press
– Conducting interviews
– Developing and placing advertisements
– Overseeing the development of social media campaign strategies
– Developing content and creating program-specific marketing plans

Major Duties

Marketing Strategy and Brand Management

– Collaborates with the Director and other leadership/staff to create SLA’s brand.
– Develops, within a specified budget, an innovative marketing campaign and strategy that results in audience growth, engagement, and increased public awareness of SLA.
– Executes all internal and external communication plans.
– Analyzes and interprets public perceptions and evaluates the effectiveness of marketing and advertising plans.
– Uses return-on-investment data to predict and forecast future success, inform decision-making, and report results to stakeholders.
– Develops, directs, and executes the brand strategy for all collateral, including print and digital.
– Maintains SLA’s style guide and brand identity guidelines.
– Contributes marketing expertise to SLA exhibitions, public programs, digital projects, and physical galleries.

Public Information Officer

– Serves as the unit’s Public Information Officer (PIO).
– Coordinates with Smithsonian Office of Communications and External Affairs (OCEA).
– Ensures accurate and timely communication with the media and public.
– Establishes and maintains effective relations with members of the news media and specialized groups.
– Prepares SLA leadership for public appearances and media interviews.
– Writes and edits communications materials such as news releases and annual reports.

Digital Content Strategy

– Advises on and guides digital content strategies for SLA’s email and web platforms.
– Ensures digital platforms maintain brand consistency.
– Develops a strategy for growing SLA’s digital media outreach.
– Explores new platforms and online engagement opportunities.
– Coordinates film shoots and processes external film requests.

Qualification Requirements

– Knowledge and expertise in producing written materials such as news releases, marketing communications, and reports.
– Knowledge of the news media, web-based, and social media products to interpret and explain policies, programs, and activities.
– Skill in leveraging news cycles and digital tools.
– Advanced skills in conducting market research and synthesizing data.

Education Requirements

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to U.S. programs by an organization specializing in foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included with the application.

Additional Information

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more details, visit: Smithsonian EEO Program.

If you have questions or need reasonable accommodations, contact [email protected].

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