Education Program Specialist (Astronomy), IS-1720-09

Application deadline: 24 August 2026. Department: National Air and Space Museum. Location: Washington, DC. This announcement will remain open until 200 applications have been received and may close prior to the posted closing date. Open to all qualified applicants eligible to work in the United States.

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 role supports astronomy subject matter and learning opportunities, educating and engaging audiences of all ages.

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid from the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from business activities, donations, grants, and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service but work alongside federal employees with comparable salary ranges and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Supports the development and implementation of 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.
• Reads and interprets academic reports, policies, and other documents to integrate relevant techniques and issues into subject matter developed by the institution.
• Supports and engages teams of specialists and volunteers responsible for the development of activities, materials, and operations of the observatory.
• Supports developing grant reports and conducts ongoing evaluations to ensure programs and exhibitions meet audiences' needs for astronomy engagement and Museum goals.

Requirements

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level, demonstrating the ability to lead, plan, coordinate, and manage educational programs.
• Experience developing and implementing learning initiatives, engaging diverse audiences, and supporting program goals through effective educational planning and delivery.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and/or three to five years of related professional experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of concepts, techniques, and methodologies used to educate and enhance understanding of astronomy topics.
• Familiarity with the grant review and evaluation process to ensure accurate reflection of learning outcomes.
• Skill working in a team-based environment, coordinating efforts of multiple individuals to shape learning outcomes.
• Knowledge of astronomy, educational plan design, and implementation to create interactive programming and educational materials for diverse audiences.
• Skill in communicating, briefing, or presenting astronomy topics; developing curriculum and learning materials; and drafting content for grant proposals.
• Familiarity with astronomy-specific equipment such as telescopes, planetariums, observatories, and astronomy software.

Work Environment

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

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to U.S. higher education programs by an organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• 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)

Pay

$70,623 - $80,041 / year

Schedule

Full Time