Join a team of fundraising professionals across the Institution working to chart the future of the Smithsonian.
Resumes are only accepted in applications for listed positions. Please send a cover letter and resume to oastaffing@si.edu. Specify the position title for which you are applying in the subject line.
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Open Positions
Program Associate, Membership Operations, Office of Advancement | Grade: 9 | Location: Washington, DC | Open to All | Closing: November 30
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also planning two exciting new museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.
The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.
Key Responsibilities
The Smithsonian Office of Advancement seeks an experienced and creative candidate to fill the Program Associate, Operations position. This position is in the Friends of the Smithsonian membership department and provides member services and administrative support of membership operations. The Program Associate will be responsible for working across the membership department to support back-end operations and overall success of the Friends of the Smithsonian. Duties include the following:
Member Services: Incumbent functions as the lead member service representative for the Friends general membership program by responding to inquiries from current, lapsed and prospective members and donors; and from members of the Smithsonian staff and the general public received from all channels. All interactions are handled in a courteous, professional, timely, and accurate manner. Member Service responsibilities include:
- Call Center Support: Incumbent is the daily liaison to the vendor providing inbound telephone support. The incumbent works with the vendor to ensure that the call center has updated documentation and serves as an escalation contact for member concerns that cannot be handled by the call center staff. The incumbent manages basic/standard requests like replacement membership cards, magazines, and tax receipts. Additionally, the incumbent will manage requests and comments that require some research in our membership databases and/or those that require a written response.
- Correspondence: Incumbent will respond to letters, emails, member portal inquires, questions and comments from returned direct mail reply forms and other inquiries in writing.
- Staff support: Incumbent will support managers and staff in responding to inquiries and requests received from members and donors. Incumbent will also work with other staff upon realizing a member or donor is a prospect for higher levels of giving.
- Response planning: Incumbent will work with his/her manager in developing talking points, letter templates and other tools for use in responding to topical member complaints and concerns.
Financial Operations: Incumbent supports the program in the financial operations areas of purchasing, corporate matching gift processing, and inter-departmental transfers.
Office Support: Incumbent will support the office operations through collecting and processing office mail, general office administration, and other related duties as assigned.
Additionally, the incumbent assists in the development and implementation of processes, projects, reports, fundraising and stewardship campaigns, events, correspondence, and collateral materials, as needed. The incumbent assists with member engagement and supports all events hosted by the membership program.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years relevant experience, including member services, gift processing, and office administration. Other required skills include the ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, the initiative to work both independently and as part of a team, strong writing abilities and exceptional attention to detail. Knowledge of Ellucian Advancement, Salesforce, or another complex membership database is preferred but not required.
Benefits and Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to this link by November 30, 2023. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid.
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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
Campaign Operations Manager, Office of Advancement | Grade: 12 | Location: Washington, DC | Open to All | Closing: December 1
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time at the Smithsonian. What is the Smithsonian’s vision for the future? It’s quite simple: to build a better future for all. Smithsonian Secretary Bunch and the institution’s leadership have begun work on a campaign that will fund this vision. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. The campaign will provide a foundation for critical research to ensure people and nature thrive together, build unparalleled education programs with families and partners, collect the world’s most precious objects, document the present while reflecting on the past, and reimagine the visitor experience both in-person and online. We will bring the Smithsonian off the National Mall and across the country through dynamic programming and affiliate partnerships, creating access for all. The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American.
The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian while working with designated units across the campus. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.
The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central advancement organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.
Key Responsibilities
The Smithsonian Office of Advancement seeks an experienced candidate to fill the position of Campaign Operations Manager. This position is on the Constituent Engagement team in the Office of Advancement, reporting to the Constituent Engagement Director and working closely with the Assistant Secretary for Advancement (ASA) and the Associate Director for Advancement/Liaison to the Office of the Secretary (ADA). The individual in this position is a pivotal member of the campaign planning team and is responsible for managing overall constituent engagement and campaign operations and projects. The responsibilities associated with this position have a significant impact on the campaign both in the Office of Advancement and across all units.
The incumbent works with the Constituent Engagement director and team leads to ensure efficient team operations, creating and maintaining an overall project calendar for the Constituent Engagement team and ensuring coordination among senior managers on an ongoing basis about timing of major projects and deliverables. The incumbent monitors the overall budgets for the Constituent Engagement team, including the team’s campaign spending, and works closely with the Constituent Engagement Director on forecasting and trends. This position supervises one staff member. The incumbent also serves as the primary point of contact for internal audiences and campaign consultants regarding projects and strategic initiatives related to the campaign and communicates in person, in writing and over the phone with colleagues to ensure that they have all information required and are as engaged as possible in the campaign plans. The Campaign Operations Manager works with the Assistant Secretary for Advancement’s office, drafting and/or finalizing presentations, agendas, and materials for campaign meetings with Smithsonian leadership and external stakeholders.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Successful candidates will have:
- Experience in an advancement office preferred, including familiarity with database management, prospect management, fundraising pipeline management and capital campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and managing a multi-year departmental budget, including addressing fluctuating needs throughout the fiscal year.
- Experience in managing diverse revenue streams such as those from gifts and revenue generating activities ensuring compliance with all accounting procedures.
- Demonstrated experience in understanding and adhering to complex procurement procedures.
- Experience in managing staff preferred.
- Skill in written and oral communications.
Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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 your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes using this link by December 1, 2023. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid.
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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
Advancement Associate, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives | Grade: 9 | Location: Washington, DC | Open to All | Closing: December 8
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we develop and implement strategic initiatives designated by the Smithsonian’s Secretary such as the Rural Initiative and Reckoning with Our Racial Past. Community and nationally focused programs are being planned in support of these initiatives through 2025 and will our goal of expanding the Smithsonian’s reach and impact and empowering the institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian while working with designated units across the campus. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA) serves as the chief research arm and institutional memory of the Institution. SLA develops policies, provides guidance for the stewardship and preservation of the Institution’s vast research collections, and offers a range of reference and research services to the Smithsonian community and beyond to global researchers. The library research and archival collections play a dynamic role in advancing the scientific and cultural understanding of our universe. The institutional archives document the history of the Smithsonian, from before its founding in 1846 to the present, and supports a broad community of scholars at the Smithsonian and beyond by acquiring, evaluating, and preserving the records of the Institution and related documentary materials. As the world’s largest museum library and archives system, the SLA is at the forefront of research at the Smithsonian and serves as catalyst for knowledge production.
Key Responsibilities
The SLA seeks a creative and energetic Advancement Associate to provide technical and administrative support for its Advancement Office. This position will assist with a full range of administrative and advancement functions including gift processing, calendar management, meeting coordination and support, travel preparation, processing procurement requests, creating spreadsheets, templates, documents and tools, data entry, and general administrative support. This position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make an impact by ensuring the operational and administrative needs of the Advancement Office are accomplished.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The successful applicant will have at least one year of experience processing gifts/payments/pledges and updating information in an Advancement database with a high proficiency in using technology including Microsoft Office Suite. Qualified applicants will also successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a demonstrated ability to work independently. The incumbent will be self-motivated and detail-oriented, accurate and professional always; must be precise, diplomatic, dedicated, and mature as well as flexible and able to work well under pressure. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization desired.
Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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 your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their cover letters and resumes using this link by December 8, 2023. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid.
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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
Gift Officer (Corporate), Office of Advancement | Grade: 12 | Location: Washington, DC | Open to All | Closing: December 15
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also planning two exciting new museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.
The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central advancement organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.
Key Responsibilities
The Institutional Advancement team within the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Institution seeks a creative and energetic relationship builder with a demonstrated record of success with corporate fundraising to join its successful advancement team. This position will work with the science museums and research centers advancement and program staff to cultivate corporate partners. In addition, it will lead corporate fundraising strategy for pan-institutional science initiatives such as Life on a Sustainable Planet, in partnership with other Advancement teams. This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play an important role in building private support for exhibitions, educational and outreach activities, research, and endowment needs of the Institution. Duties include identifying, cultivating, and soliciting corporate prospects; creating compelling and persuasive proposals; managing stewardship of institutional donors; and negotiating complex gifts.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The successful candidate is required to have a minimum of four years of fundraising experience. They must also possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building philanthropic relationships with corporate prospects and donors to achieve aggressive fundraising goals. Progressive fundraising experience, experience with diverse constituents, a drive to succeed, grant proposal writing, and ability to close major gifts should be demonstrated in your application. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and the initiative and ability to work independently, and a mature and professional demeanor. Experience with complex higher education or a large cultural organization is preferred. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Director of Corporate Relations. Travel of up to 20% of the time is required.
Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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 your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to this link by December 15, 2023. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid. This position is a temporary position funded through September 2025. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.
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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
Assistant Director of Advancement, Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations | Grade: 13 | Location: Washington, DC | Open to All | Closing: December 15
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250th anniversary. The campaign will expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the Institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also planning two exciting new museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.
The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES|SA) catalyzes public engagement and sparks curiosity and learning by connecting the knowledge, resources, and expertise of the Smithsonian with a vital network of cultural and educational organizations. SITES | SA works in partnership with Smithsonian museums and galleries, research facilities and education centers and in collaboration with museums, cultural, and education organizations around the nation and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
SITES|SA has an opening for an experienced and dynamic Assistant Director of Advancement responsible for developing and managing the fundraising program and generating private support for exhibitions, educational programs, and other priority projects with a broad range of exhibition host venues, Affiliates and in rural communities around the nation. The incumbent will secure contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations by discovering and cultivating a productive relationship with prospective donors; presenting opportunities for giving through solicitation efforts; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individual donors and prospects; helping to steward board members and their networks; and helping to craft and implement a multi-year fundraising plan.
The position reports to the SITES|SA Director and coordinates closely with the Director of Institutional Advancement from the Office of Advancement. This reporting structure provides an awareness of SITES|SA’s priorities and goals across the Institution’s broader advancement community. The incumbent works closely with the Office of Advancement to coordinate with colleagues as appropriate on matters relating to proposals, gift agreements, budgets and reporting, and other policy and process areas. The Assistant Director of Advancement supervises one advancement team member who will help to craft and implement a multi-year fundraising plan for SITES|SA.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
A minimum of six years of fundraising experience preferably in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is necessary. A proven success in securing significant contributions through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors should be demonstrated in your application. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. The successful candidate will have a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation. Travel is required and work during the evenings and weekends may be necessary.
Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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 your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by December 15, 2023. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid.
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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.