Visual Information Specialist (Graphic Designer)

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, nine research facilities and the Smithsonian Libraries. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is the nation’s first collection of American art offers an unparalleled record of the American experience, capturing the aspirations, character and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. Responsibilities The Visual Information Specialist will design and produce SAAM printed materials. In this position, you will: Develop and coordinate original SAAM printed materials to include catalogs, invitations, posters, signage, brochures, booklets, press materials, checklists, announcements, etc. Oversee the planning, design and review of components and information to be conveyed and resources available; receive edited text and recommendations on the basic concept of the print and electronic publications and project; and develop approved concepts into final designs and specifications. Responsible for coordinating needs of multiple offices and audiences to develop appropriate and attractive visual ideas for exhibition, print or digital presentations in consultation with curators or program officials, and develop approved concepts into final designs and specifications. Estimate costs and timelines and coordinate the graphic production process including expense tracking, production schedules and installation. Take into consideration such production values as the quality of printing, occurrence of image reversal, the quality of the ink, the selection of the paper, the approval of all image proofs and bluelines, etc. through proper monitoring of these values eliminates delays in the production schedule and ensures the desired quality of the finished product. Requirements Conditions of Employment Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility. Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. Conditions of Employment: Work is sedentary, but some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items may be required. COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions. Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met by the closing date of the announcement. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. Qualifications Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as proposing, designing, and producing print materials for a visual arts organization; coordinating printing and correcting color; and managing budgets or production schedules. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Education This position does not have a positive education requirement. Additional Information This position is included in the bargaining unit. Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and, Beginning and ending dates of appointment. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.