Director, Office of Human Resources

Summary

The position is responsible for development, administration, and execution of the Smithsonian Institution Human Resources Management Program for all Federal Civil Service and Smithsonian Trust employees (including ancillary activities and business). The components of the Program include compensation, benefits, recruitment, policy, organizational development and design, workforce and succession planning, legal compliance, training and development, and orientation.

This job is open to
The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals.

Duties

• As a member of the senior management team, performs a major role in influencing or making decisions regarding the human resources component of the Smithsonian's mission goals and strategic objectives. Responsible for all human resource management functions including employment; employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training and development.

• Directs a full range of human resource management and service programs. This includes workforce planning, position management and classification, compensation and benefits, recruitment and staffing, labor relations, performance management, personal security, and employee assistance programs.

• Establishes and maintains communications with museum directors, research institutes, education offices and other finance and administration units to understand their needs and promote human resource capabilities throughout the Institution.

• Works in close coordination with the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) to provide leadership and promote effective solutions to issues regarding equal and fair employment opportunities, and monitors and ensures the compliance and effectiveness of all employment activities.

• Cultivates and builds relationships with other internal service groups including the offices of Protection Services, Contracting, Sponsored Projects, Finance and Accounting, Global Affairs, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Smithsonian Enterprises to facilitate comprehensive and coordinated service delivery.

• Represents management with various employee groups (including Federal and private sector unions covering approximately 30 percent of the entire Smithsonian workforce), Government agencies, museum and educational professional organizations, and other appropriate organizations. As required, provides liaison between the Smithsonian, the Office of Personnel Management, and other government agencies.

• Serves as the key staff providing leadership and support for the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Regents.

• Develops proactive human resources programs; advises on Institutional human resources needs, allocation and use; and assesses organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness.

• Develops, implements, and administers new, innovative, and responsive human resources systems.

• Prioritizes all human capital management initiatives related to employees in line with the Institution's strategic objectives and available resources and communicates prioritization rationale to all interested parties including the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Finance and Administration/CFO, management and supervisory officials, peers, subordinates, and employees.

• Develops, implements, and administers methodologies for forecasting and monitoring the return on the human capital investment related to employees.

• Advises and counsels unit heads about maximizing the return on human capital related to employees through more productive use of human resources through policies and programs to improve staffing.

• Coordinates with other organizations that have human capital oversight and responsibilities, including the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (for fellows and interns), the Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management (for contractors), and the Office of Visitor Services (for volunteers) on SI-wide human capital initiatives.

Requirements
Conditions of employment

• Pass Pre-Employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service

Meets the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary level of managerial and leadership skills and competence to perform successfully in this position. This includes a degree in an applicable subject matter field, or a combination of education and appropriate experience that provides knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a four-year course of study in an applicable subject matter field. An advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPP) is preferred. SHRM certification is a plus.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

In addition, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 level. Specialized experience is defined as leading and managing a human resources department or a significant set of human capital functions, including creating and communicating all human resources programs, policies, and procedures across a large, complex organization with a myriad of stakeholders.

The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience developing and executing an HR strategy that directly advanced organizational goals in a large, complex organization. This includes providing strategic direction and ensuring alignment, integration, and measurable impact.

• Demonstrated ability and experience developing, launching, and enhancing HR program initiatives, including recruiting, onboarding, performance management, training, high potential programs, and succession planning.

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of employment and benefit laws through knowledge of, or exposure to, Federal Government employment.

• Demonstrated experience and skill in building cooperative relationships between colleagues, and with internal and external stakeholders, as well as negotiating solutions that address varied, complex and occasionally opposing interests. This includes explaining positions/solutions, both orally and in writing, and gaining acceptance by museum and/or research facility colleagues and customers/managers at all levels.

• Demonstrated skill and ability in leading, supervising and managing a multi-disciplined and talented workforce, including fostering teamwork and high morale; attracting, retaining, motivating, and providing guidance to a talented and skilled workforce.

Additional information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This position reports to the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration/CFO. Within broad policy guidelines and the framework of applicable laws, rules and regulations, exercises independent judgment, initiative and action to accomplish program responsibilities. Keeps the Under Secretary informed of the status of major projects and critical or sensitive problems through periodic discussions and written reports. Work performance is appraised in terms of attainment of overall human resource management program objectives.

SECURITY LEVEL

This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work, the position has been determined to be Public Trust/HIGH RISK. This designation will require (1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and (2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and favorable adjudication in order to continue in the position.

EEO

The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

RELOCATION

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits program for both Federal and Trust employees. See for details. We also offer a rich program of services and opportunities to balance and enhance your work life. They include: Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (an accredited educational program for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years), transportation benefits, professional interest groups, employee advocacy groups, special events such as brown bag lunches, an annual picnic on the Mall, an annual holiday party, free lectures, behind-the-scenes tours and employee discounts at our theaters, shops and after hours events. These and other programs have made the Smithsonian one of the top 10 places to work in the government.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The qualifications listed in this document will be used along with your resume and your responses to the questions posed in the electronic application process to determine the candidates who will move forward in the evaluation process. When crafting your responses to the questions, please provide concise, detailed information on your background and experience.

Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:

• Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job-related competencies set forth above.
• Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job-related competencies set forth above.
• Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements but does not satisfy most of the job-related competencies set forth above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAJobs system will not be considered for this position.

Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to the major duties and qualifications criteria listed for this position.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Your application package should include the following documents:

• Resume

• Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.

• Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.

• Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:

• You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
• You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR
• You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system-generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system-generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
• The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
• If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the contact person listed below.

Agency contact information

Suleyka Lozins

Phone

Fax

Email

Address

SMITHSONIAN

Office of Human Resources

POB 37012, 600 Maryland Avenue, MRC 517

Suite 5060

Washington, District of Columbia

United States

Next steps

After you apply and the position has closed, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We usually have a large response to senior level positions and it may take some time to effectively review application packages. We will contact you by email as decisions are made.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

11/26/2025 to 12/17/2025

Salary

$150,160 to - $225,700 per year

Pay scale & grade

SL 00

Location

District of Columbia, DC

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

No

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent - This position is advertised through two announcements: 1) this Competitive Service position and 2) a Merit Promotion position, announcement #EX Only one vacancy exists, and selection will be made from one of the announcements.

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

00

Job family (Series)

• 0201 Human Resources Management

Supervisory status

Yes

Security clearance

Other

Drug test

No

Announcement number

EX-26-02

Control number

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