The Science Museum Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Title: Office Manager
State Role Title: General Admin Supv/Coord I
Hiring Range: $70,000-$80,000
Pay Band: 4
Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia
Location: NOVA Science Center
Agency Website: https://smv.org/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Agency Overview:
The Science Museum works to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. We create compelling and thought-provoking experiences that connect our community with the science all around them.
For almost 50 years, the Science Museum has been curating relevant science stories that are delivered through engaging exhibits, programming, demos, workshops, films, content and more. As we look toward our 50th anniversary as an institution, we're pushing ourselves to be even more important in our community's life to elevate science as the answer to our complicated world.
The Science Museum is unlike others in our field. We are a state agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia that benefits from state operating support as well as private funds raised through our Foundations to help support the mission. This support provides operational stability and growth opportunities as we evolve to not only meet the needs of our community, but also increase our impact. Our flagship location in Richmond and our satellite in Danville have reached two straight years of record attendance. The opening of our Northern Virginia campus in 2027 is poised to push annual visitation over 800,000, extending our reach and impact across the Commonwealth as we empower Virginians to see science not just as knowledge, but as a vital tool for shaping a better future.
Job Description:
The opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center is the largest project in the Science Museum's history. As we prepare to open our doors in spring/summer 2027, we are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Office Manager to help build the foundation for this exciting new destination.
Under the direction of the Science Museum's Administrative Supervisor, the Office Manager will play a key role in supporting the daily operations of the Northern Virginia Science Center. This position is project manager, problem solver and organizational hub rolled into one.
Responsibilities will include executive-level administrative support, travel administration, recruitment and onboarding support, offboarding tasks, file management, procurement, mailroom and delivery coordination, payment requests and a variety of other administrative needs. This position will also help create a welcoming, responsive and supportive environment for staff, vendors and guests.
The position will be based in Northern Virginia and we're anticipating filling the role sometime this October. Training will take place in Richmond, with the candidate expected to spend 2-3 days a week in Richmond from October-January. Telework or other work arrangement will be made for the remaining days each week until the Science Center is fully constructed. Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.virginia.gov/.
Benefits
The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 12 paid holidays. The salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, certifications, internal equity and applicable market considerations at the time of offer.
Minimum Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated secretarial or administrative experience in an office setting, strong proficiency in computer-based office applications, filing systems, and business software, as well as knowledge of procurement procedures. Excellent telephone, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills; sound judgment in support of agency goals and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Candidate must be able to learn and use various business applications and systems, coordinate multiple projects, prioritize competing demands and manage time effectively is essential. Candidate will also serve as a resourceful problem solver who enjoys keeping things organized, helping others, and making sure the details that keep an organization moving forward are handled with care.
Additional Considerations
Project management experience or skills are a plus. Demonstrated experience supporting and/or partnering closely with senior executive leadership are a plus.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line "Virginia Jobs" (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.
The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum Welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.
Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.
The Science Museum will record information from each new employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804.372.3766
Email: hr@smv.org
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer