Supervisory Collections Manager

Role Overview

The Supervisory Collections Manager is entrusted with promoting responsible and ethical management of the National Museum of the American Indian's (NMAI) collections by partnering closely with Native and Indigenous communities, while adhering to the Smithsonian's mission of knowledge diffusion, accepted museum standards, and staff ethical guidelines.

Key Duties

• Ensure the safekeeping, suitable storage, handling, transportation, packing, and pest control of collections housed across NMAI's three facilities.
• Work collaboratively with different departments within NMAI and various Smithsonian units to maintain the physical security of collections.
• Manage access protocols for diverse audiences both inside and outside the Smithsonian, including leading specialized tours for distinguished guests such as tribal leaders and government officials.
• Serve as a knowledgeable representative of NMAI to Native constituencies, stakeholders, and external partners, fostering teamwork to meet strategic objectives.
• Lead and oversee collections management staff by setting priorities, goals, task delegation, and scheduling to achieve organizational targets.
• Exercise full supervisory and managerial responsibilities including performance standards, work coordination, advisory roles, and directing technical tasks.

Essential Qualifications and Conditions

• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Completion of a probationary period may be required.
• Possession of a bank account for direct deposit/electronic transfers.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Applicants need one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 federal level, specifically senior experience managing substantial Native American collections within museums or cultural organizations.
• Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade level.
• Partial and volunteer experiences are credited equivalently when documented properly.

Additional Information

• This role is excluded from bargaining units.
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized but are contingent on availability and require a service agreement.
• Applications may be shared with other Smithsonian hiring managers for similar positions.
• Candidates are expected to uphold U.S. constitutional principles and federal governance efficiency.
• Federal benefits package includes health, leave, retirement, insurance plans, and flexible spending accounts.