Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery Team in Washington, DC
The Special Events Coordinator works with a small team to plan and organize private events in the museum’s rental spaces. Functions include but are not limited to exhibition openings, conferences, receptions, concerts, social and stewardship events. The incumbent serves as a staff subject matter expert regarding etiquette and protocol for visiting dignitaries, high-level officials, corporate executives, museum directors, collectors, major donors, SAAM Commissioners and other VIPs. The coordinator will report to the Special Events Manager. Must be available to work nights and weekends.
Salary and Benefits
This is a non-federal position in Washington, DC (IS-1001-11), starting at $74,950/year with a salary range to $97,430/year. The salary range is based on 2022 pay scales, but will be updated in 2023.
The Smithsonian Institution offers a comprehensive benefits package for Trust employees. Please see the Employee Benefits page for a complete description.
Duties
- Prepares a budget for each event. Responsible for the initiation of all administrative and financial requirements necessary for special events.
- Determines appropriate invitation format, catering, decor, entertainment, and other related items per the guest’s instruction and budget limitations.
- Oversees design, printing and addressing of invitations, if required.
- Supervises event set-up and all services during event. Devises and implements special measures necessary to protect artworks in the event and preparation areas.
- Employs discretion and judgment with private and corporate sponsors, carefully balancing the needs of the Smithsonian, SAAM, and the outside party within the framework of polices and guidelines.
Basic Qualification Requirements
At least five (5) years of experience in planning, managing, and supervising special events.
Desired Skills
Knowledge and experience required by the position includes activities such as:
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment both day to day and at events.
- Attention to detail is critical.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to take the initiative, multi-task, adapt to shifting priorities and be flexible.
- Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to think and work independently.
- Excellent organizational skills and commitment to accuracy.
- Exercise a high level of professionalism and ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with diplomacy.
- Proven ability to meet critical project deadlines.
- Employ problem solving and critical thinking skills to make decisions daily and at events.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with Salesforce CRM.
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience in Federal procurement/PeopleSoft ERP.
Required Documents
- Resume – MUST contain the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary.
- Cover letter- statement of interest in the position
- References -Contact information for at least two (2) professional reference
How to Apply
Email all three (3) required documents with the subject line “Special Events Coordinator” to SAAM-jobs@si.edu no later than Sunday January 15, 2023, at 11:59pm. Late applications will not be considered.
The Smithsonian Institution ensures its employees (Federal and Trust), applicants, and affiliated persons (interns, research associates, fellows, and volunteers) are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, or political affiliation and are free from reprisal against protected activities. In addition, other Smithsonian policy prohibits discrimination based on membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors, and political affiliation.”
The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.