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

Application Deadline: 8 May 2026

Department: Office of Special Events and Protocol

Location: Washington, DC

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

Description

OPEN DATE: April 24,2026
CLOSING DATE: May 8,2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT 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 prepares performance appraisals.
Advises employees on work and administrative matters, reviews and approves leave requests, and
identifies training needs to support staff development. Ensures that employees understand and comply with applicable safety requirements.

Special Events & Protocol Policy Implementation (25%)

The incumbent implements and supports the application of special events and protocol policies within the Office of Special Events and Protocol (OSEP). Provides senior level guidance on the execution of events to ensure logistical, operational, and protocol requirements are met in accordance with Smithsonian standards. The incumbent manages a diverse portfolio of unit events requiring coordination, policy adherence, and protocol awareness. Contributes to the development and refinement of policies, procedures, and standards governing special events and conference activities. Consults with the Office of the Chief Legal Officer on matters with legal implications and provide clarification to staff and stakeholders on the interpretation and application of SD 401.
Evaluates requests for event space by applying knowledge of Smithsonian policies and priorities.
Participates in the Special Events Policy Committee and supports oversight of facility use under SD 401. Coordinates the review and processing of special events and conference requests to ensure compliance with established guidelines

Special Events Advisory & Coordination

The incumbent serves as a senior advisor and liaison for events and conferences involving co-sponsored activities. Oversees staff responsible for gathering information and preparing briefing materials for principals participating in events such as press conferences, lectures, receptions, donor engagements, and official ceremonies. Ensures briefing packets are accurate, complete, and distributed to appropriate leadership and participants.

Provides advisory support in planning cost estimates and developing schedules for events, symposia,
conferences, and meetings. Supports efforts to generate unrestricted Trust Fund revenue by assisting in the promotion of the Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”), the Enid A. Haupt Garden, and the Arts and Industries Building as event venues, in accordance with SD 401. Collaborates closely with the Office of Advancement to ensure that donor relations and Smithsonian National Board activities are properly coordinated. Convenes regular meetings with special events coordinators and staff to maintain communication and alignment throughout the planning and implementation process.
Reviews proposed events and conferences from museums and research centers to ensure compliance
with SD 401 and related policies. Ensures the maintenance of a master calendar of special events and
conferences.

Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for special events and conferences,
with delegated authority to monitor contractor performance and recommend approval of services
provided by hotels, caterers, translators, transportation companies, printers, and other vendors. Supports the unit’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all qualified vendors.

Performs other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and 5-7 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience demonstrating increasing levels of leadership and management responsibility.

Experience required for this position is as follows:

Senior Leadership & Program Management:
Experience directing a high-level events or protocol office, with responsibility for strategic planning, establishing organizational goals, managing large-scale programs, and overseeing the full lifecycle of high-visibility events. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, allocate resources, and ensure compliance with internal controls and organizational policies.

Supervisory Experience:
At least three years of progressive supervisory experience, including selecting, developing, and evaluating staff; assigning and monitoring work; managing performance through formal appraisal systems; providing coaching and counseling; approving leave; and identifying and supporting employee training and development needs.

Policy Development & Institutional Oversight:
Experience developing, implementing, and interpreting policies, procedures, and standards related to events, protocol, or operations. Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative guidance to senior leadership, staff, and external stakeholders, and to ensure compliance with organizational and legal requirements.

Protocol & High-Level Event Management:
Proven experience managing high-profile events involving senior executives, board members, dignitaries, or government officials. Expertise in protocol, event logistics, and stakeholder coordination across multiple internal and external partners.

Advisory & Liaison Functions:
Experience serving as a principal advisor and liaison to senior leadership, coordinating briefing materials, and managing relationships with external organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and private sector partners.

Contracting & Vendor Management:
Experience serving in a Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) or similar capacity, including negotiating contracts, managing vendors, and overseeing services such as catering, venues, transportation, and event production.

Collaboration & Communication:
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional coordination, convene stakeholders, maintain communication across multiple offices or institutions, and manage complex scheduling and event calendars.

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 OCEA-ADIM@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