Strategic Program Manager, NZCBI Investment & Planning

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 122,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Transit/Commuter Benefits

403b Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution seeks a Program Manager to lead NZCBI's long-term investment initiative from planning through funding. The role coordinates internal teams and external partners, shaping a unified strategy for federal investment in facilities and infrastructure.

You will develop business cases, narratives, and executive briefs for decision-makers, ensuring alignment with Smithsonian priorities and budget processes. This is a high-impact, trust-fund position based in Washington, DC.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex projects or programs with multiple teams and deadlines.
• Experience developing funding strategies, business cases, investment proposals, or similar.
• Knowledge of federal budget, appropriations, or capital planning processes.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate options, risks, and dependencies.
• Ability to translate complex material into clear writing and persuasive presentations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall planning and coordination of NZCBI's long-term investment initiative.
• Develop project plans, schedules, milestones, decision processes, risk tracking, and progress reports.
• Coordinate work across NZCBI, the Smithsonian, and external partners; facilitate working groups and meetings.
• Prepare briefings and updates for senior leadership.
• Develop funding narratives and business cases to support leadership decisions.
• Align NZCBI investment priorities with Smithsonian and federal priorities.

Skills

Project management

Funding strategy

Budget knowledge

Analytical skills

Writing & presentations

Stakeholder comms

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution seeks a Program Manager to lead NZCBI's long-term investment initiative from planning through funding. The role coordinates internal teams and external partners, shaping a unified strategy for federal investment in facilities and infrastructure.

You will develop business cases, narratives, and executive briefs for decision-makers, ensuring alignment with Smithsonian priorities and budget processes. This is a high-impact, trust-fund position based in Washington, DC.