Education Program Specialist (Astronomy)

Job Description

Description

OPEN DATE: Mrach 18, 2026

CLOSING DATE: April 7, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:

Non- Sensitive /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

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is one of over 20 units that comprise the Smithsonian Institution - including museums, libraries, research centers, publications, web presence and the national zoo - and is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge to enlighten, inspire, and engage individuals of all ages. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials, and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe. Its research and outreach activities serve all audiences, within and beyond its walls.

Learning at the National Air and Space Museum sparks curiosity and empowers learners to imagine the possibilities of our future. The Museum commemorates the past and is committed to educating and inspiring audiences to foster an appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity.

NASM is administered as one Museum in the virtual space as well as at multiple physical locations: the National Mall building; the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia; and the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland. NASM provides access to the nation’s aviation and space flight history to an average of between 7-9 million onsite visitors from around the world annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. In addition, NASM draws tens of millions of learners to its virtual programming.

Information about the role:

This position is in the Education Department under the Education and Visitor Experience Directorate of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), at the Smithsonian Institution. The position is responsible for developing the strategy and programming for astronomy subject matter and learning opportunities in the education department’s work to educate and engage audiences of all ages.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and maintains astronomy-specific learning resources for all audiences including families, children, young adults, and educators, with emphasis on creating new audiences.

Facilitates astronomy learning using observatory, planetarium, and telescopes.

Works with curatorial staff to ensure accuracy of astronomy teaching and devises strategies to infuse astronomy education into all the Museum’s programming, independently defining and managing a science education plan centered on comprehensive topics portrayed in exhibition halls within the institution.

Maintains awareness of funding and participates in developing grant proposals to obtain funding for new and ongoing programs. Leads on developing grant reports.

Conducts ongoing evaluations to ensure programs as well as exhibitions are meeting audiences' needs for astronomy engagement and Museum goals.

Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with organizations and institutions focused on astronomy and related topics.

Attracts and maintains a strong recruitment and training program that grooms subject-knowledgeable volunteers.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education (if positive education is required) and Experience:

To qualify for this position, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level; leading, planning and managing an educational program.

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience required for this position includes but is not limited to:

Knowledge, of concepts, techniques, and methodologies used to educate and enhance the understanding of routine to complex scientific, technological, or engineering topics related to the field of astronomy.

Knowledge of educational plan design and implementation to ensure that academic resources are developed to enhance learning outcomes of exhibits, installations, and events related to the field of astronomy.

Knowledgeable in use of astronomy specific equipment such as telescopes, planetariums, observatories, and astronomy software. Able to train personnel and volunteers in operations of the equipment and educate the public about the equipment’s use, purpose, and capabilities.

Knowledge of the grant proposal process sufficient to Works collaboratively with Manager of Youth and Teacher Programs and Advancement Office to develop donor proposals and reports.

In depth knowledge of astronomy and technologies used to study planets, stellar constellations, and the cosmos.

Knowledge of both formative and summative evaluation.

Ability to work in a team-based environment with institutional leadership, specialists, and volunteers to support educational initiatives and operations related to astronomy.

Work Environment

Work is typically in office setting, with public presentations and activities taking place in museum education facilities, museum observatory, museum exhibits, professional conferences, and electronic classrooms. Note that up to 25% of work is done outdoors, year-round.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following:

Full-time