Youth Programs Coordinator, IS-1701-11

Application Deadline: 27 June 2025

Department: National Museum of American History

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Education Specialist

Compensation: $84,601 - $109,975 / year

Description

OPEN DATE:  June 13, 2025CLOSING DATE:  June 27, 2025POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE:  Temporary, NTE 3 yearsSCHEDULE:  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

This position is in the Office of Education and Experience, Division of Public History, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Smithsonian Institution (SI). Through incomparable collections, rigorous research, and dynamic public outreach, the Museum explores the infinite richness and complexity of American history. We help people understand the past to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future. The primary purpose of the position is to conceptualize, develop, deliver, and evaluate educational resources and programs for middle and high school teens focusing on civics education and engagement. The incumbent will ensure high standards of historical accuracy and appropriate pedagogical techniques in public programs and publications; contribute to the conceptualization, facilitation, and development of programming that reflects best practices in the fields of civic education and engagement for teens; and collaborate with communities of practice in youth, school, community, and student services to implement and enrich existing programs. All resources and programs for teen audiences derive primarily from and refer to the Museum’s collections with the principal goal of centering civic education and participation through interdisciplinary, inquiry driven, and problem-based engagement with the NMAH collections. The incumbent works closely with other Educators within the Museum and across the Smithsonian. This position requires occasional work during evenings, weekends, and holidays in accordance with Smithsonian Institution policy. This position requires occasional travel to schools around the United States within and outside of the local commuting area in accordance with Smithsonian Institution policy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and delivers informal learning instruction and materials both in-person and online, based on NMAH’s civic and historical collections, and links them to the interests and needs of middle and high school aged youth, fostering both independent and social learning among them.
• Creates interactive digital programs for teen audiences, using various platforms and communication software applications, including Zoom, Teams, Padlet, and Mirro, among others.
• Based on research, makes recommendations for short- and long-range goals, objectives, strategies, and services.
• Conducts evaluations to e