Description

Spark!Lab Network Manager

Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation

Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

This position is located within the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (Lemelson Center) in the Division of Public History, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Lemelson Center is dedicated to exploring invention in history and encouraging inventive creativity in young people.

The position, in coordination with the Head of Invention Education, helps develop the Lemelson Center’s education philosophy and creates the Center’s education and public outreach programs and interpretive programming on invention and innovation. In particular, this position serves as the primary coordinator of the Center’s Spark!Lab Network, a consortium of Spark!Lab installations at external museums, libraries, and cultural institutions across the United States and select foreign countries.

This position requires national and international travel in accordance with Smithsonian Institution policy.

In this position, the Spark!Lab Network Manager:

• Serves as the primary point of contact for current Spark!Lab Network sites with a thorough knowledge of Spark!Lab Network information, educational philosophy, participation fees, educational activities, training structure, licensing requirements, reporting requirements, and related policies and procedures.
• Develops resources for current Network members, conducts regular check-ins with each site, and works with the sites to develop a community of practice around Spark!Lab.
• Develops and leads training for current Network members both on- and offsite.
• Identifies and develops collaborations with new partner institutions and negotiates agreements to govern the installation of external Spark!Labs at new partner institutions and provides training for their staff.
• Maintains a current list of Spark!Lab activities available to the Network, researching new and replacement activities in coordination with the Spark!Lab Inventor.
• Provides general support for Spark!Lab operations at NMAH, and regularly spends time in Spark!Lab working with visitors, other staff, and volunteers.
• Disseminates various written materials, lesson plans, training guides, activity plans, etc. for distribution through printed or digital media to a variety of audiences.

The best qualified candidates will have knowledge of educational program development and delivery; skill in managing collaborative undertakings and partnerships among organizations; and knowledge of basic business, marketing, and project management strategies.

This is a full-time, 2 year temporary Trust (non-Federal) position at pay grade IS-11. The starting salary is $84,601 annually with excellent benefits.

To Be Considered:

Please submit your résumé and cover letter that describes how your skill set and background aligns with the requirements and opportunities of the position via the link below.

Applications must be received by September 18, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit this link:

https://trustcareers.si.edu/postings/6f15e5b7-58d5-45d7-9f7c-3880ee86f3cd

If you have further questions, please send your inquiries to: [email protected].

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds supports and enhances our daily work life and contributes to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. For more information on the Smithsonian EEO program please see www.si.edu/oeema.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
• Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer is required for salary payment.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is not required to apply.