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Director of Program Management (External Affairs) IS-1001-14
Smithsonian InstitutionWashington, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 21 Jul 2026
💰 $187,093/yr($143,913/yr – $187,093/yr)
About the role
Director of Program Management (External Affairs) IS-1001-14
Application Deadline: 13 August 2026
Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Director of Advancement
Compensation: $143,913 - $187,093 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: July 24, 2026
CLOSING DATE: August 13, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Moderate Risk
Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants
Non-Sensitive/Moderate Risk
Who May Apply:
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
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) seeks an experienced and results-oriented Director of Program Management (External Affairs) to provide senior operational leadership for advancement and revenue-generating functions. Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, this position oversees the day-to-day operations across gift processing, membership programs, ticketed special events, facility rentals, and earned revenue initiatives that support NZCBI's mission and growth.
The ideal candidate has 8-10 years of experience and is an adept operational leader and collaborative manager with extensive expertise in nonprofit revenue administration, financial oversight, event management, and staff supervision. They excel at translating strategic objectives into efficient administrative and business processes while ensuring compliance with institutional policies. Candidates with a background in project management or chief of staff roles within similar organizations desired.
The ideal candidate has 8-10 years of experience and is an adept operational leader and collaborative manager with extensive expertise in nonprofit revenue administration, financial oversight, event management, and staff supervision. They excel at translating strategic objectives into efficient administrative and business processes while ensuring compliance with institutional policies. Candidates with a background in project management or chief of staff roles within similar organizations desired.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervisory Leadership and Workforce Management: Provides full supervisory oversight for professional staff engaged in gift processing, membership operations, events, earned revenue programs, and administrative services. Assigns work, establishes priorities, evaluates performance, and leads workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development to build team capacity.
- Advancement Operations, Revenue Administration, and Compliance: Oversees operational processes for gift processing, revenue recording, reconciliation, and fund management. Leads data integrity, reporting, and performance measurement activities while ensuring strict adherence to Smithsonian financial, gift, and procurement policies
- Membership Program Strategy and Management: Provides operational execution and leadership for the NZCBI membership program. Evaluates membership levels, benefits, pricing, and acquisition campaigns, leveraging market analysis and revenue forecasting to drive member growth, retention, and earned revenue.
- Events and Earned Revenue Program Leadership: Directs the planning, execution, and financial evaluation
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