Supervisory HR Specialist (Recruitment & Placement), IS-0201-15

ABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, comprising 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists.

POSITION DETAILS

Open Date: July 1, 2026. Closing Date: July 14, 2026 (this announcement will close once 100 applications have been received, which may occur prior to the listed closing date). Position Type: Trust Fund. Appointment Type: Indefinite. Schedule: Full Time. Duty Location: Washington, DC. Workplace Type: Onsite. Compensation: $169,279 - $197,200 per year. Reporting To: Deputy Director, Talent Management. Department: Office of Human Resources. 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 business activities, donations, grants, and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, transit/commuter benefits, annual and sick leave, a 403(b) retirement plan, and more.

OVERVIEW

This position is located in the Trust Branch, Talent Management, Office of Human Resources (OHR), Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Office of Human Resources leads and supports all Smithsonian units, including museums, research units, and education centers, in the recruitment, development, and retention of a skilled and dedicated workforce. The incumbent plans, directs, and oversees the personnel and activities of the Trust Branch, which provides recruitment and placement services across the Institution, excluding senior-level positions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment & Staffing Program Design: Serves as principal advisor to the highest levels of management within SI on all Trust staffing, recruitment, and hiring activities and practices, including classification and position management as it relates to placement activities. Represents the Director, OHR at conferences and meetings and speaks authoritatively on issues related to areas of specialization. Provides senior subject-matter leadership and expertise for assigned functional areas, applying a wide variety of analytical methods and techniques to complex, intractable problems. Oversees or conducts reviews of new legislation or proposed government-wide HR regulations, determining impact and applicability on Smithsonian programs, and provides authoritative advice and consultation to top management. Develops and implements solutions to major operating problems in the HR management system. Represents the Smithsonian at high-level meetings and conferences and serves on Smithsonian, interagency, and other committees as a recognized authority.

Supervision: Plans, organizes, directs, supervises, and manages the personnel and activities of the Branch. Serves as a hands-on supervisor to Human Resources Specialists (Recruitment) and support staff, providing technical guidance on complex staffing actions and ensuring consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and practices. Exercises the full range of supervisory authorities, including workforce planning, performance management, employee development, and resolution of employee relations matters. Exercises delegated managerial authority to set annual and multi-year plans and schedules, determine goals and objectives, establish priorities, and allocate resources.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for this position, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, defined as experience: managing human resources activities for a variety of functional areas, including recruitment, staffing, and hiring; formulating long- and short-range recruitment goals that directly impact organization-wide initiatives; solving mission-critical human resources problems that cross multiple program lines; leading a staff/team of human resources personnel through significant organizational change to optimize the use of personnel resources and talent; promoting and maintaining good working relationships with key individuals or groups both inside and outside the organization; and responding to stakeholder inquiries related to recruitment strategies and functions, including resolving critical problems related to program management, policy application, and human resource initiatives.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pass a pre-employment background check and subsequent background investigation for the 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. Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date. Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate; applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact OHRTrustBranch@si.edu.