As one of the world’s most respected cultural, historical, and scientific institutions, the Smithsonian offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to research, discovery, education, preservation, and public service on a national and global scale.
This includes advancing the Institution’s mission across fields such as aerospace, astronomy, space science, history, culture, and the humanities, reflected in the work of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the National Air and Space Museum, and the Institution’s many museums, research centers, and collections.
Qualifications
Extensive knowledge and understanding of:
- U.S. State Department’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
- U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
- U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requirements
- Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR)
- Import and Export Clearance Regulations
- International Shipping Logistics and Regulations
- Loading Regulations
- Freight Classifications
The candidate should:
- Possess an ITAR/EAR or Trade Compliance certification, have completed a relevant course of study in export controls/trade compliance, or be recognized by DDTC as a qualified export controls expert.
- Have experience preparing export-control licenses and executing technical assistance and non-disclosure agreements.
- Be familiar with export licensing determinations.
- Have expert knowledge and relevant experience in export-control compliance in a nonprofit research environment or institution of higher education.
- Have knowledge of scientific instruments and technologies used in national and international space- and ground-based telescope programs, or sufficiently broad technical expertise to advise researchers regarding export-control implications.
- Understand State Department and Immigration and Naturalization Service requirements concerning foreign nationals.
- Be familiar with visa fundamentals and processing as they relate to foreign-national visitors.
- Be able to obtain cooperation from technical and programmatic staff regarding compliance responsibilities.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Have experience developing policies, procedures, and training and managing compliance programs.
- Be able to prioritize and execute multiple complex export-control activities independently.
- Have excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Be able to use negotiation, collaboration, and facilitation techniques.
- Be able to understand and evaluate technical aspects of complex research programs.
- Work effectively at all organizational levels and as part of a team.
- Have knowledge of information systems, including database development and maintenance.
- Be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, web-based systems, and internet browsers.
- Be able to use technology to manage information, analyze data, prepare reports, and support daily business operations.
Responsibilities
The position oversees the Smithsonian Institution’s export controls compliance function, ensuring compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
The role supports scientific, cultural, and historical activities, including space science and astrophysics research.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Managing the SAO and SI export-control process.
- Providing day-to-day export/import operations and compliance oversight.
- Mitigating risks, maintaining records, and conducting compliance and program-effectiveness assessments.
- Implementing, administering, and auditing export/import policies and procedures.
- Interpreting ITAR, EAR, and FTR.
- Establishing Project Technology Control Plans.
- Determining Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs).
- Determining applicable licensing exceptions or requirements.
- Screening end users, end uses, and countries for exported technology.
- Screening contractors, visitors, and foreign nationals seeking access to controlled SAO/SI facilities.
- Evaluating and providing guidance regarding international travel, including travel involving embargoed, sanctioned, or otherwise restricted countries.
- Collaborating with Shipping and Receiving Offices regarding shipments, freight coordination, carrier/rate management, and export-controlled commodities and equipment.
- Implementing the Smithsonian Institution’s compliance program across applicable units.
- Addressing technology restrictions involving foreign-national employees and visitors.
- Managing licenses, compliance determinations, screening, IT/physical security, training, and documentation.
- Developing and conducting training on export regulations, EAR, ITAR, foreign-national issues, and international travel.
- Assisting with transportation-management functions associated with export-control initiatives.
- Maintaining and updating the Smithsonian Directive concerning institution-wide export compliance.
- Continuously updating the institution-wide export-compliance implementation plan.
- Coordinating with the Office of Global Affairs, Office of General Counsel, Office of Sponsored Projects, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and other SI units.
- Performing other related duties as assigned.
Unique Conditions
Full-time and based in Washington, DC, with recurring travel to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in support of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).
How to Apply
To learn more or to apply for this position, click here.
