Procurement Specialist (IS-1101-14)

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026

Department: Office of Sponsored Projects

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Unit Director

Compensation: $143,913 - $187,093 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: February 23, 2026                   CLOSING DATE: February 27, 2026 * This job will close once 10 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date. *                  POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: TemporarySCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
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

This position is located in the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) at the Smithsonian Institution (SI). OSP is the primary point of administrative and financial interface between the Smithsonian and (1) public and private organizations that provide funds for research, exhibitions and other sponsored activities, and (2) Federal government officers charged with writing/enforcing regulations related to research funded through grants and contracts.

The purpose of the position is to ensure administrative compliance with requirements of grants and contracts, and for managing a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts awarded to the Smithsonian units.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Customer Service, Proposal Development and Award Negotiation

Provides guidance to those Smithsonian employees or affiliated staff (“Principal Investigators”) who wish to apply for external support of research, education, training or exhibit projects, to ensure that Smithsonian, sponsor and federal policies are followed.  Reviews and negotiates grant or contract award terms, negotiates changes, and recommends acceptance of awards to OSP Director.  Drafts subaward documents and provides authoritative advice and guidance to Principal Investigators when they need to make changes to project scope, budget or other administrative matters.

Advises on complex (international, multiparty, non-traditional sponsor) project development, by aiding in proposal submission, budget development and award drafting/negotiations involving private and government sponsors. Consults with the Office of General Counsel and other offices as needed to resolve complex award terms and conditions and ensure proposals are developed and awards are negotiated with full consideration and management of risks.  Represents the Smithsonian in meetings with selected professional and administrative staff of sponsors, collaborators or subcontractors to resolve proposal issues and award negotiations.

• Account Management and Advisory Services

Directs and coordinates timely account set-up with post-award staff, resolves complex project management issues, including those related to international projects and interagency agreements, in keeping with award requirements and Smithsonian policies, and communicates required changes to sponsors when needed.  Ensures