Job Description
Government Relations Specialist
Smithsonian Institution
Summary
The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is in Office of Assistant Secretary Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Office of Government Relations (OGR).
Duties
OGR is responsible for Congressional, intergovernmental, and intra-governmental relations for the SI and for representing the interests of the Institution before Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees and subcommittees, executive branch agencies, and state and local governments. This position reports to the Director, OGR and participates in all facets of the work of the Office. The purpose this position will assist in the formulation and implementation of important SI legislative and policy initiatives and issues.
In this position, you will perform the following duties:
Works closely with high-level staff throughout SI who are responsible for developing program and policy initiatives.
Ensures that initiatives are in line with the Secretary’s stated goals.
Prepares summaries and/or comprehensive bill reports to keep interested parties current on status.
Develops formal and informal briefings for interested parties.
Drafts and prepares position papers, talking points, speeches, background papers and other documents for the Director, OGR.
Establishes and maintains relationships with key members of Congress and congressional staff, personnel in other Federal agencies, members of local government, and other as appropriate.
Represents the Director at meetings and conferences and presents the official SI position on matters addressed.