Director, Office of Special Events & Protocol, IS-0301-14

Application Deadline: 8 May 2026

Department: Office of Special Events and Protocol

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $143,913 - $163,104 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: April 24,2026              CLOSING DATE: May 8,2026      POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite    SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive, Moderate Risk

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants

This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 15. Promotion to the next higher grade, up to IS-15, may occur at management’s discretion upon the supervisor’s recommendation, subject to the availability of funds, classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the employee's qualifications.

This vacancy is intended to be filled at either the IS-14 or IS-15 level. Selection at the appropriate grade will be based on the candidate’s experience, competencies, and ability to meet the position requirements.
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 Special Events and Protocol (OSEP), Office of the Assistant
Secretary Communications & External Affairs at the Smithsonian Institution (SI). The position serves as
the Director of the Office of Special Events and Protocol and principal advisor to the Secretary, the
Assistant and Under Secretaries, as well as other key management officials on matters relating to special
events, conferences, and protocol work. OSEP’s mission is to support the Smithsonian’s goals by
providing exemplary special events management and authoritative protocol guidance. Our team builds
meaningful connections, fosters strategic partnerships, and produces distinctive, high-quality events that reflect and reinforce SI’s values.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory & Management Duties 

The incumbent serves in a developmental leadership capacity as the Supervisor of the Special Events and Protocol Office. The position is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the planning, programming, and management of the unit’s special events in support of established organizational priorities. The incumbent assists in developing annual goals and objectives for the office and contributes to identifying milestones and responsibilities for program segments. Supports the formulation of the Office of Special Events and Protocol’s budget and monitors day-to-day execution to ensure expenditure remains within approved limits. Ensures internal controls are followed in daily operations to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse and to promote responsible stewardship of resources.

The incumbent supervises staff by assigning work, providing technical guidance, and monitoring
progress to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Communicates work requirements and
performance expectations through the formal performance management system. Observes and
evaluates employee performance, provides ongoing feedback, and p