Visual Presentation Specialist

Application Deadline: 21 April 2026

Department: Smithsonian Enterprises

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $52,000 - $55,000 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: April 7, 2026
CLOSING DATE: April 21, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC


Position sensitivity and risk: Low

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 Visual Presentation Specialist is responsible for the creation and implementation of visual strategies that enhance the retail experience, support the merchandising objectives and museum mission while maintaining the visual presentation standards as established by the Visual Presentation and Store Planning departments. The Specialist collaborates with their supervisor in the development and execution of floor sets and tests from initial concept to in-store execution. In partnership with Merchandising, Store Sales & Operations, and Store Planning the specialist ensures products are presented for optimal profitability and a compelling Brand experience

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Follows direction of supervisor in maintaining standards in presentation of merchandise and establishment of prioritizing work plans to meet timelines associated with merchandising objectives.

· Collaborates with supervisor and other team members on the development of all creative concepts, proposed fixturing and display accessories and props to present merchandise for seasonal sets, special events, new product launches and tests.

· Deliver consistent innovation and merchandising solutions that improve the store experience, drive traffic and meet Brand and creative objectives.

· Collaborate with internal partners (Store Planning and Design, Merchandising, and Store Sales & Operations) on the development of all presentation packages, which may include pictorial documents in Illustrator or other computer programs, to meet the strategic and financial goals of the organization.

· Take ownership and prioritize tasks associated with executing multiple projects as directed by supervisor to meet all Visual and Merchandising calendar timelines.

· Creates calendar of stores visits to ensure customer/associate relationship and effective translation of visual strategies across all store types. Visits to stores are to include identifying opportunities and providing ongoing training sessions on visual merchandising techniques and standards for the retail stores.

· Demonstrate excellent written and verbal skills when presenting creative ideas and working cross-functionally.

· Stay up to date with trends for a specialized gift store environment via market patterning to influence work.

· Maintains a visual fixture, prop, and sign holder inventory for their assigned locations.

· Works closely with retail team partners and vendors

· Creates Price Point Signage using templates as provided by the Store Planning and Design department and ensures in store signage is accurate, up-to-date, and in properly placed sign holders.

· Requests supplemental store signage – ensuring that displays are supported with proper product information, UBIT, and other signs appropriate for fixtures featuring merchandise.

· Partners with Store Sales & Operations to ensure merchandise includes provenance cards where appropriate.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Experience required for this position is as follows:

· Bachelor of Arts degree (B. A.) and/or 3-5 years of experience executing visual presentation strategies in a multi-store specialty environment.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs- Word and Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.

· Ability to work in Sketch-Up and Power Point

· Ability to work with basic tools including hammer, screwdriver, saw, paintbrush, and other tools to assist in creative prop building tasks or minor repairs.

· Ability to read and interpret Smithsonian Institution and SE Museum Store policies and procedures, and understand standard retail concepts and practices.

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 SECareers@si.edu. 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: https://www.si.edu/oeo