Public Affairs Specialist, IS-1035-09

Public Affairs Specialist, IS-1035-09
Application Deadline:

2 July 2026

Department:

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Employment Type:

Full Time

Location:

Washington, DC

Compensation:

$70,623 - $77,687 / year

Description
OPEN DATE:

June 11, 2026

CLOSING DATE:

July 2, 2026

POSITION TYPE:

Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE:

Indefinite

SCHEDULE:

Full Time

DUTY LOCATION:

Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:

Non-sensitive/Low Risk

Who May Apply:

Open to all qualified applicants

Trust Fund positions are funded by a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, business revenue, donations, grants, and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service; they receive a separate benefit program that may include health, dental, vision, life insurance, commuter benefits, leave, retirement plan, and other perks.

OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for modern and contemporary artists. The Public Affairs Specialist works in the Office of Communications and Marketing to prepare informational materials, serve as a media contact, and implement outreach to media, influential publics, and stakeholders. Strong writing and organizational skills are essential.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop media plans, including outreach calendars, themes for media segments, and distribution methods.

Compile and track media coverage of the museum to evaluate plan effectiveness.

Respond to media inquiries with information packets and factual verifications; conduct research; collect media-ready videos and photos.

Provide information and responses according to media plans and Smithsonian policies.

Schedule museum site visits for photo shoots and filming; coordinate building access and media events such as VIP tours, press previews, and exhibition previews.

Maintain friendly and cooperative relationships with local and national media; keep them informed of museum activities.

Conduct regular measurement of media reach and draft reports.

Write and edit materials for the media including press releases, media advisories, calendars, and fact sheets.

Write and edit materials for the general public such as weekly e-newsletters, program descriptions, museum signage, and social media posts.

Confere with curators, educators, and staff to identify and develop information for news releases, TV and radio programs, articles, and media meetings.

Create materials that support media coverage, including face sheets, backgrounds, run-of-show, and internal memos.

Author materials in accordance with museum and Smithsonian policies.

Write and update textual content; select suitable images; share content through digital distribution channels.

Manage the department’s Google Ads grant by measuring, adjusting, and refocusing the campaign as needed.

Work with the communications team to host press and influencer events to familiarize them with the museum’s mission, collection, programming, and expertise.

Coordinate promotional efforts, messages, and content consistency with other museum and Smithsonian staff.

Monitor responses to campaign messages, identify trends, and distribute additional content to sustain positive interest and dialogue.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

2–3 years of related experience in communication and public affairs for an arts or cultural organization.

Knowledge of communication principles, methods, and techniques to prepare and disseminate information to the general public through print, electronic, and broadcast media.

Knowledge of art and museum practices to communicate the messages of a modern and contemporary art institution.

Ability to research, compile, and analyze information to write news releases on museum activities.

Skill in exchanging information with museum staff and external constituents to coordinate interviews and tours with the media.

Knowledge of AP and MLA style guides for writing and editing documents for media and public audiences.

Knowledge of media resource databases for researching contacts and clips.

Knowledge of measurement platforms such as Cision and Meltwater.

Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and the tools for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to U.S. higher education programs by a recognized credential evaluation organization. Applicants must provide this documentation with their application.

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

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact HMSG-HR@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For more information, review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For EEO program information, see https://www.si.edu/oeo.

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