Project Coordinator, IS-0301-09

OPEN DATE: September 1, 2026
CLOSING DATE: September 5, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Trust Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: REMOTE Position sensitivity and risk: Low Risk
Who May Apply:
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 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 in the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (CFCH), a research center of the Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Center connects communities across cultures—cultivating curiosity, understanding, and belonging for all people. The Center works collaboratively with local communities and cooperates closely with scholars, professional organizations, government agencies and others in the research, maintenance, and presentation of these cultures. The purpose of the position is to provide support for project management, aiding in the planning, implementation, management, and documentation of digital storytelling projects and initiatives. The incumbent works with staff within CFCH and the wider Institution under the direct supervision of the Director of Strategic Initiatives & External Affairs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Coordination, Evaluation and Budget Administration Support
Under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives & External Affairs, incumbent provides support with developing project work plans including, but not limited to, budgets, spending plans, schedules, milestone charts, goals, and/or objectives. Specifically, the incumbent performs the following functions.

- Budget development and monitoring: Develops budgets and spending plans which includes building and maintaining budget templates. Occasionally and with supervision, creates and updates monthly budget monitors; calculates budget projections and burn rates; analyzes project activities and estimates staff level of effort. On a regular and recurring basis, communicates with contractors to determine appropriate pricing; reviewing contractor proposals to evaluate pricing against proposed activities; and calculating travel costs based on foreign per diem rates. Provides support with budget planning, data entry of financial information into budget management tools developed for digital storytelling projects, and oversight of project spending. This includes managing records of financial commitments and transactions and monitoring spending in ERP. Serves as fiscal manager for a range of project requests including training, local miscellaneous reimbursements, and/or general office supplies.

- Project management assistanc