Director, Reckoning With Our Racial Past Initiative,
Smithsonian, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Director, Reckoning With Our Racial Past Initiative, IS-1720-14/15
Application Deadline:
27 February 2026
Department:
Office of the Under Secretary for Education
Employment Type:
Full Time
Location:
Washington, DC
Reporting To:
Under Secretary for Education
Compensation:
$143,913 - $197,200 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: January 14, 2026
CLOSING DATE: February 27, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Two-Year Term, with the possibility of extension is contingent on funding availability.
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive, High 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
Launched in 2020, Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past is a Smithsonian-wide initiative that explores the enduring legacies of race and racism in the United States and around the world. Grounded in rigorous scholarship and public engagement, the initiative seeks to foster honest dialogue, build bridges, and catalyze understanding and action toward a more just and equitable future. Through interdisciplinary research, creative partnerships, and inclusive educational programming, RWORP empowers communities to explore the complex histories that shape our present - and to imagine new possibilities for our shared future.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Working with a team, the Director will:
Develop and execute a long-range strategic plan aligned with Smithsonian priorities. Translate a new vision for the initiative into actionable programming, partnerships, and measurable outcomes. Evaluate the impact of the strategic plan and refine it over time. Advise and consult with the Under Secretary for Education and other appropriate senior leadership, including museum and science directors on pan-institutional programs and issues that relate to and can facilitate the inclusion of RWORP initiative programmatic goals and objectives across pan-institutional strategic goals. Collaborate with other Smithsonian units in the development and implementation of education, public programs, collections, and research. Leverage the Smithsonian's pan-institutional collections to elevate public understanding of the initiative's key pillars. Lead a high performing team by providing visionary leadership for workforce development by building a highperforming, inclusive team that advances institutional capacity through strategic recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and career pathway design; ensure RWORP Initiative alignment with Smithsonian policies while developing and administering workforce policies that strengthen staff training, labor relations, employee engagement, and equal employment opportunities; delegate responsibilities to empower emerging leaders, and cultivate a resilient pipeline of staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers positioned for longterm professional growth and crossunit impact. Build strong internal networks across Smithsonian museums, research centers, and education units to foster alignment and amplify impact. Cultivate relationships with academic institutions, schools, community organizations, funders, and thought leaders to expand reach and relevance. Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with Smithsonian Advancement, including annual campaigns, project-specific initiatives, and long-term endowment strategies. Oversee budgeting, operations, and program evaluation. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and grant requirements. Sets, reviews, and executes annual and out-year budgets and determines appropriate programming and staffing capacity. Develops a staffing plan and authorizes expenditures of funds within any restrictions established for various fund sources. Pursues grants and contract funding, manages reporting, and ensures that all activities and spending are executed in accordance with agreements. Serve as a compelling spokesperson for the initiative. Elevate visibility through media, events, and strategic communications. 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/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must also have experience directing an office or initiative that includes responsibility for functions related to staff planning and personnel management, budgeting, strategic planning, program evaluation.
Skill in conceptualizing and advancing innovative approaches to public engagement, educational programming, and outreach. Adept at designing and leading long-range initiatives that drive institutional visibility, deepen community impact, and catalyze meaningful dialogue. Ability to direct, plan, and evaluate personnel to enhance organizational operations and coordinate problem resolutions that involve several organizational entities. Mastery level expertise in team building and collaboration, both with internal and external stakeholders. Expert knowledge of how to plan, direct and engage in fundraising initiatives to support programming and operations.
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
washingtonka@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 (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
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
Application Deadline:
27 February 2026
Department:
Office of the Under Secretary for Education
Employment Type:
Full Time
Location:
Washington, DC
Reporting To:
Under Secretary for Education
Compensation:
$143,913 - $197,200 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: January 14, 2026
CLOSING DATE: February 27, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Two-Year Term, with the possibility of extension is contingent on funding availability.
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive, High 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
Launched in 2020, Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past is a Smithsonian-wide initiative that explores the enduring legacies of race and racism in the United States and around the world. Grounded in rigorous scholarship and public engagement, the initiative seeks to foster honest dialogue, build bridges, and catalyze understanding and action toward a more just and equitable future. Through interdisciplinary research, creative partnerships, and inclusive educational programming, RWORP empowers communities to explore the complex histories that shape our present - and to imagine new possibilities for our shared future.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Working with a team, the Director will:
Develop and execute a long-range strategic plan aligned with Smithsonian priorities. Translate a new vision for the initiative into actionable programming, partnerships, and measurable outcomes. Evaluate the impact of the strategic plan and refine it over time. Advise and consult with the Under Secretary for Education and other appropriate senior leadership, including museum and science directors on pan-institutional programs and issues that relate to and can facilitate the inclusion of RWORP initiative programmatic goals and objectives across pan-institutional strategic goals. Collaborate with other Smithsonian units in the development and implementation of education, public programs, collections, and research. Leverage the Smithsonian's pan-institutional collections to elevate public understanding of the initiative's key pillars. Lead a high performing team by providing visionary leadership for workforce development by building a highperforming, inclusive team that advances institutional capacity through strategic recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and career pathway design; ensure RWORP Initiative alignment with Smithsonian policies while developing and administering workforce policies that strengthen staff training, labor relations, employee engagement, and equal employment opportunities; delegate responsibilities to empower emerging leaders, and cultivate a resilient pipeline of staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers positioned for longterm professional growth and crossunit impact. Build strong internal networks across Smithsonian museums, research centers, and education units to foster alignment and amplify impact. Cultivate relationships with academic institutions, schools, community organizations, funders, and thought leaders to expand reach and relevance. Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with Smithsonian Advancement, including annual campaigns, project-specific initiatives, and long-term endowment strategies. Oversee budgeting, operations, and program evaluation. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and grant requirements. Sets, reviews, and executes annual and out-year budgets and determines appropriate programming and staffing capacity. Develops a staffing plan and authorizes expenditures of funds within any restrictions established for various fund sources. Pursues grants and contract funding, manages reporting, and ensures that all activities and spending are executed in accordance with agreements. Serve as a compelling spokesperson for the initiative. Elevate visibility through media, events, and strategic communications. 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/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must also have experience directing an office or initiative that includes responsibility for functions related to staff planning and personnel management, budgeting, strategic planning, program evaluation.
Skill in conceptualizing and advancing innovative approaches to public engagement, educational programming, and outreach. Adept at designing and leading long-range initiatives that drive institutional visibility, deepen community impact, and catalyze meaningful dialogue. Ability to direct, plan, and evaluate personnel to enhance organizational operations and coordinate problem resolutions that involve several organizational entities. Mastery level expertise in team building and collaboration, both with internal and external stakeholders. Expert knowledge of how to plan, direct and engage in fundraising initiatives to support programming and operations.
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
washingtonka@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 (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
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