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$29.5K

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$117.5K

How much do smithsonian communications jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for smithsonian communications in the United States is $100,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Smithsonian Communications, and why are they important?

Success in Smithsonian Communications requires expertise in public relations, media strategy, and content creation, typically backed by a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with press release distribution tools, social media platforms, and media monitoring systems is essential, along with knowledge of AP style. Strong interpersonal, storytelling, and crisis communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These abilities are vital for effectively promoting the Smithsonian's mission, managing its public image, and engaging diverse audiences.

What are Smithsonian Communications professionals?

Smithsonian Communications professionals are responsible for managing and promoting the public image, messaging, and media relations for the Smithsonian Institution. They create and distribute press releases, handle media inquiries, develop communication strategies, and manage social media channels. Their work helps to ensure that the Smithsonian's exhibitions, research, and educational programs reach a wide audience and are accurately represented in the media. They collaborate with curators, educators, and other departments to highlight the institution's work and achievements.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Smithsonian Communications, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Smithsonian Communications often encounter the challenge of translating complex research and exhibitions into accessible stories for diverse audiences. Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders—including curators, scientists, and the public—while adhering to institutional guidelines can also be demanding. To address these challenges, strong collaboration, clear communication, and ongoing professional development in science communication are essential. Additionally, learning to use digital tools and social media platforms effectively can help broaden outreach and engagement.

What is the difference between Smithsonian Communications vs Smithsonian Public Relations Specialist?

AspectSmithsonian CommunicationsSmithsonian Public Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; experience in media and content creationBachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or related; experience in media outreach and press release writing
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, with opportunities for museum and exhibit collaborationOffice and field-based, focusing on media relations and public engagement
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across Smithsonian departments for internal and external communicationPrimarily in public relations and media outreach within Smithsonian institutions

Smithsonian Communications focuses on creating and managing internal and external content, including digital media, while Smithsonian Public Relations Specialists primarily handle media relations, press releases, and public engagement efforts. Both roles require strong communication skills and media experience but differ in their specific focus areas within the Smithsonian ecosystem.

Infographic showing various Smithsonian Communications job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,501 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Publications Officer, IS-1001-13

Publications Officer, IS-1001-13

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 26 rated museums

Job description

OPEN DATE: June 3, 2026                   
CLOSING DATE: July 3, 2026 * This announcement will close once 100 applications have been received, which may occur prior to the listed closing date.*
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite    
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
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. 

The Smithsonian Institution, Undersecretary for Science & Research, National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Research, Collections, and Curatorial Affairs Directorate is responsible for properly protecting the National collections of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts in perpetuity, guaranteeing intellectual as well as physical control over those collections.
The incumbent serves as a Publications Officer, IS-1001-13, responsible for overall planning, development, and management of the NASM publications program of scholarly and popular books, articles, booklets, and book series. Subject matter covers the broad spectrum of aviation and space at many audience levels and must be placed by the incumbent with the appropriate publishers to reach the desired audience.

Partnering/Teamwork
  • Works with museum curators and other content creators to develop publishable works.
  • Draws up detailed contracts with publishers for final review by the Smithsonian Office of General Counsel and approval by the Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management.
  • Works with academic and commercial outside publishers and the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press and Smithsonian Books.
Technical Competence/Resource Management
  • Monitors compliance with contracts, including terms of agreement and royalty payments.
  • Applies broad knowledge of publishing field in collaboration with NASM authors.
  • Manages overall planning, development, and coordination of publications, ensuring that all individuals or groups supporting content development adhere to timelines and schedules for production.
Product Development and Evaluation
  • Acts as NASM's main point of contact in the development of book publications and projects relating to NASM's publications program. 
  • Acts as a liaison with the retail arm of Smithsonian Enterprises and with SI Product Development and Licensing.
  •  Coordinates long-range planning of catalogs, books series, and other publications with authors.
Knowledge Management/External Affairs
  • Interfaces with author and publisher to exchange material, coordinate agreements, and other matters necessary to finalize publications project.
  •  Works with other SI publications offices to develop SI-wide publishing policies.
  •  Represents NASM and the SI at professional conferences and meetings dealing with programs under incumbent's responsibility; provides information concerning those programs.
Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience required for this position is as follows:
  • Knowledge of established techniques to steward Museum academic and commercial works through the publishing process.
  • Knowledge of managing a catalog of publishable works.
  •  Skill in reviewing technical documents and ensuring Museum products meet stated requirements.
  • Ability to research and identify suitable publishers that possess the capabilities and relationships to partner and support the Museum's publishing goals.
  • Ability to interface with internal and external individuals and organizations and build partnerships.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact Nasm-hr@si.edu. 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. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo   

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