Smithsonian Institution
Writer/Editor (IS-1082-12)
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Writer/Editor (IS-1082-12)
Application Deadline:
7 November 2024Department:
Office of AdvancementEmployment Type:
Full TimeLocation:
Washington, DCReporting To:
Deputy Director of Advancement Strategic OperationsCompensation:
$99,200 - $128,956 / year
Description
OPEN DATE:
October 25, 2024CLOSING DATE:
November 7, 2024POSITION TYPE:
Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE:
IndefiniteSCHEDULE:
Full TimeDUTY LOCATION:
Washington, DCNon-Sensitive/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicantsTrust 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
This position is at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Smithsonian Institution (SI). NMAAHC is the national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Its primary purposes are to acquire, maintain and preserve objects that document social, cultural, political, military, technological and scientific developments in the United States; to conduct scholarly research designed to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the fields of African American history, to publish findings for both scholarly and general audiences; and to interpret historical developments through public exhibits and programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Advancement Writer/Editor composes, edits, and controls production of a full range of digital and print communications to effectively convey the Museum’s mission to diverse constituencies to support the Advancement Office at NMAAHC.In this position you will:Write or edit a variety of official documents including direct response materials, proposals and reports to individuals, foundations and corporations, publications such as case statements and informational brochures, communications materials such as press releases, newsletters, cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment letters, and scripts for audio and visual programs. Prepare briefings, background materials, and talking points.Write speeches and text for visual presentations and develop advancement position papers for senior management.Write, edit, and manage production of ongoing major communications projects (often simultaneous) -- such as event-related collateral copy for the Museum’s website, input to press releases, remarks, and stewardship updates.Oversee production of print pieces from draft creation through distribution of final product by executing, supervising, or managing article/topic selection, research, contract writing/editing, vendor deliverables -- from page proofs and blue lines to mail house operations -- on time and within budget. Final authority for quality control of text, illustrations, and layout.Participate in working groups to plan, coordinate and execute original communications products and publications related to special events and programs. Develop content for information brochures; write, review, and edit drafts of correspondence, reports, and brochures for distribution to diverse audiences; draft articles and reports on the status of major initiatives for distribution to members, prospects, the public, volunteer support groups, and special interest groups. Alternately function as project leader and team member.Edit and prepare manuscripts on two levels: (1) copy editing (employing skills that assure consistency and accuracy within a manuscript regarding grammar, punctuation, syntax, and acceptable Smithsonian style); and (2) substantive editing which calls upon the editor's critical sense and intuitive evaluation of factual accuracy and consistency of information. The latter also requires constant check of such matters as chronology of events, overall consistency of subject matter; verification of matters of fact; selective rearrangement or deletion of material; analysis of tabular information; suitability and completeness of illustrations; and evaluation of documentation as to accuracy and thoroughness.Establish policy for style, readability and consistency for written products and publications produced by the Office of Advancement. Ensure that the language level is appropriate for the stated audience and that the necessary background information is provided.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Experience required for this position is as follows:Knowledge in techniques to design and develop written products that convey ideas, messages, and the significance of visual or physical designs to increase understanding.Knowledge of fundraising marketing and communications techniques including, but not limited to, proposal writing, public relations, prospect research, volunteer management, and correspondence management.Knowledge of proposal and publications development with writing and editing experience preferable for a non-profit organization or marketing agency/team.Knowledge and experience in conducting research projects and documenting findings.Skill in writing, editing, analyzing, and translating difficult and complex scientific and/or technical material into language comprehensible to non-specialists to produce museum exhibition labels that are accessible to a wide variety of audiences. NMAAHC uses the Chicago Manual of Style for formatting and citing sources. Proficiency in Chicago style is preferred.Skill in interviewing a variety of people and gathering and synthesizing information from many sources.Skill in the use of a variety of personal computer software applications, including desktop publishing.Skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups from culturally diverse publics.Ability to communicate orally and in writing with management, technical staff, administrative staff, and others to establish effective working relationships.Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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.Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by November 7, 2024. 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.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins. Relocation expenses are not paid.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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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 .The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information:
www.si.edu/oeema .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline:
7 November 2024Department:
Office of AdvancementEmployment Type:
Full TimeLocation:
Washington, DCReporting To:
Deputy Director of Advancement Strategic OperationsCompensation:
$99,200 - $128,956 / year
Description
OPEN DATE:
October 25, 2024CLOSING DATE:
November 7, 2024POSITION TYPE:
Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE:
IndefiniteSCHEDULE:
Full TimeDUTY LOCATION:
Washington, DCNon-Sensitive/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicantsTrust 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
This position is at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Smithsonian Institution (SI). NMAAHC is the national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Its primary purposes are to acquire, maintain and preserve objects that document social, cultural, political, military, technological and scientific developments in the United States; to conduct scholarly research designed to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the fields of African American history, to publish findings for both scholarly and general audiences; and to interpret historical developments through public exhibits and programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Advancement Writer/Editor composes, edits, and controls production of a full range of digital and print communications to effectively convey the Museum’s mission to diverse constituencies to support the Advancement Office at NMAAHC.In this position you will:Write or edit a variety of official documents including direct response materials, proposals and reports to individuals, foundations and corporations, publications such as case statements and informational brochures, communications materials such as press releases, newsletters, cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment letters, and scripts for audio and visual programs. Prepare briefings, background materials, and talking points.Write speeches and text for visual presentations and develop advancement position papers for senior management.Write, edit, and manage production of ongoing major communications projects (often simultaneous) -- such as event-related collateral copy for the Museum’s website, input to press releases, remarks, and stewardship updates.Oversee production of print pieces from draft creation through distribution of final product by executing, supervising, or managing article/topic selection, research, contract writing/editing, vendor deliverables -- from page proofs and blue lines to mail house operations -- on time and within budget. Final authority for quality control of text, illustrations, and layout.Participate in working groups to plan, coordinate and execute original communications products and publications related to special events and programs. Develop content for information brochures; write, review, and edit drafts of correspondence, reports, and brochures for distribution to diverse audiences; draft articles and reports on the status of major initiatives for distribution to members, prospects, the public, volunteer support groups, and special interest groups. Alternately function as project leader and team member.Edit and prepare manuscripts on two levels: (1) copy editing (employing skills that assure consistency and accuracy within a manuscript regarding grammar, punctuation, syntax, and acceptable Smithsonian style); and (2) substantive editing which calls upon the editor's critical sense and intuitive evaluation of factual accuracy and consistency of information. The latter also requires constant check of such matters as chronology of events, overall consistency of subject matter; verification of matters of fact; selective rearrangement or deletion of material; analysis of tabular information; suitability and completeness of illustrations; and evaluation of documentation as to accuracy and thoroughness.Establish policy for style, readability and consistency for written products and publications produced by the Office of Advancement. Ensure that the language level is appropriate for the stated audience and that the necessary background information is provided.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Experience required for this position is as follows:Knowledge in techniques to design and develop written products that convey ideas, messages, and the significance of visual or physical designs to increase understanding.Knowledge of fundraising marketing and communications techniques including, but not limited to, proposal writing, public relations, prospect research, volunteer management, and correspondence management.Knowledge of proposal and publications development with writing and editing experience preferable for a non-profit organization or marketing agency/team.Knowledge and experience in conducting research projects and documenting findings.Skill in writing, editing, analyzing, and translating difficult and complex scientific and/or technical material into language comprehensible to non-specialists to produce museum exhibition labels that are accessible to a wide variety of audiences. NMAAHC uses the Chicago Manual of Style for formatting and citing sources. Proficiency in Chicago style is preferred.Skill in interviewing a variety of people and gathering and synthesizing information from many sources.Skill in the use of a variety of personal computer software applications, including desktop publishing.Skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups from culturally diverse publics.Ability to communicate orally and in writing with management, technical staff, administrative staff, and others to establish effective working relationships.Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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.Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by November 7, 2024. 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.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins. Relocation expenses are not paid.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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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 .The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information:
www.si.edu/oeema .
#J-18808-Ljbffr