Government Relations Specialist

Summary The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.  This position is in Office of Assistant Secretary Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Office of Government Relations (OGR). Duties OGR is responsible for Congressional, intergovernmental, and intra-governmental relations for the SI and for representing the interests of the Institution before Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees and subcommittees, executive branch agencies, and state and local governments. This position reports to the Director, OGR and participates in all facets of the work of the Office. The purpose this position will assist in the formulation and implementation of important SI legislative and policy initiatives and issues. In this position, you will perform the following duties: Works closely with high-level staff throughout SI who are responsible for developing program and policy initiatives. Ensures that initiatives are in line with the Secretary’s stated goals. Prepares summaries and/or comprehensive bill reports to keep interested parties current on status. Develops formal and informal briefings for interested parties. Drafts and prepares position papers, talking points, speeches, background papers and other documents for the Director, OGR. Establishes and maintains relationships with key members of Congress and congressional staff, personnel in other Federal agencies, members of local government, and other as appropriate. Represents the Director at meetings and conferences and presents the official SI position on matters addressed. Requirements Conditions of employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. ATTENTION: Due to the large number of qualified applicants for positions of this type, this job announcement will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on either: (A) The closing date listed above or (B) The date that 100 applications are received; whichever occurs first. If the announcement closes on the date that 100 applications are received, all applications submitted by 11:59 pm that day will be given consideration, including those in excess of 100. Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website. Qualifications Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as 1) Demonstrated expertise in the legislative process and related procedures, gained while working on Capitol Hill and/or in external roles engaging with Congress or legislative offices ;2) Building and sustaining productive relationships with key stakeholders, including members of Congress, congressional staff, officials in federal agencies, local government representatives, and other relevant partn and ; 3) Applying laws, policies, and regulations connected to legislative and budgetary processes. In addition to the meeting the Basic Requirements listed below in above, in order to qualify for this position, you MUST possess the following Selective Factor: Selective Factor:  The incumbent must have demonstrated experience cultivating stakeholder relationships through strategic outreach activities on Capitol Hill such as behind-the-scenes tours, special events, site visits, lecture series, informational briefings, or meetings with senior leadership to promote organizational priorities and strengthen engagement with policymakers. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Education There is no Basic Education Requirements for this grade.  Additional information This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position.  However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description. Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/