Office of Advancement Career Opportunities

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’s Office of Advancement seeks a creative and energetic Discovery Officer (DO) as a member of its Major Gifts and Discovery team. This position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on expanding the scope and scale of the Smithsonian’s vision through philanthropic efforts. The DO will play a critical role in engaging new and unrealized constituents with interests across all areas of the Smithsonian. This is a fantastic role for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Gift Officer.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Successful candidates will demonstrate passion for the Smithsonian and an ability to cultivate new relationships for the Institution with people across the country. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. The DO will develop and execute strategies for discovery and engagement under the direction of the Manager of Operations and Data Strategy. Through personalized outreach efforts the DO will identify people’s area/s of Smithsonian interest, and work with Advancement colleagues from across the Institution to determine short- and long-term engagement strategies that will inspire philanthropic investment.

A minimum of three years’ experience within an advancement team, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. 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.

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 using this link by September 20, 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.

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. The initiatives include Reckoning with Our Racial Past (RWORP), the Rural Initiative, and others. 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 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 Advancement Specialist works in the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Institution and works directly with the Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives on institutional priorities. The incumbent will partner with the Office of Advancement’s Volunteer Engagement, Events, and the Programming team to ensure that donors and volunteer leaders experience high-quality events with the Institution to foster long-term engagement and investment. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the planning and execution of advancement events, regional programs, and a variety of cultivation and stewardship efforts in support of the RWORP, Rural Initiative and other strategic programs as designated. Responsibilities include event vendor management, administration, donor communications, and data tracking as it relates to events and budgets. The Specialist will also work with staff and donors from across the Smithsonian to develop programming that ensures units are represented throughout the RWORP events.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Applicants should have a minimum of three years of donor relations and four years of events experience, preferably in a non-profit organization, museum, or cultural institution. Successful applicants will demonstrate superior communication skills, both oral and written, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, experience with procurement administration, experience with program development, and the initiative and ability to work independently. Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and being able to manage multiple projects at once is a must. Local and national travel required approximately 30% of the time, as well as evening and weekend work as needed. 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.

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 September 22, 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.

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 Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is in the middle of a $285M campaign that is transforming the Museum on the National Mall and is expanding upon its model fundraising organization, one that will meet the growing needs of one of the world’s most visited museums. The Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics. To learn more about the Museum, please visit https://airandspace.si.edu/.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Advancement Associate works in the Advancement Office at the National Air and Space Museum and assists with high levels of support functions associated with donor solicitation, stewardship, communications, special projects, and events. The Associate prepares, writes, and delivers major donor correspondence from the Museum Director, including but not limited to gift acknowledgements, condolence letters, and event follow up. This position, under the direction of the Assistant Director of Donor Stewardship and Communications and with the guidance of the Stewardship Manager, supports the creation of impact reports, proposals, and other materials for individual, corporate, and foundation donors, collaborating with curators, educators, and program managers as needed. The Advancement Associate assists the Donor Stewardship and Communications team with special projects and initiatives throughout the year.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The successful candidate should have at least two years of experience in donor relations, communications, and/or stewardship. Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills are required. Additional experience in graphic design is preferred. Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a thirst for learning. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization and/or advancement department preferred.

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.

Benefits and Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery". The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Relocation expenses are not paid. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by 11:59 pm on September 29, 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.

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.

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 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has an immediate opening for an experienced Special Events Planner for a position that will manage logistics and assist in fundraising for Advancement events at the Hirshhorn including four annual fundraisers, exhibition openings, cultivation events, and external event rental. This candidate will also manage select donor relationships, assist with gift solicitations, and be responsible for a variety of donor communications, including writing letters on behalf of the Museum Director, event sponsorship decks, invitations, solicitations, program calendars, remarks for events, briefings, and website content updates. This position will work closely with the Director of Advancement, to ensure all events are executed properly and event fundraising goals are achieved.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The successful candidates will have:

• Four or more years of successful experience in planning, executing, and fundraising for special events, preferably at a museum or other cultural institution. Experience in an art museum is highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience with gala event planning and fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience with designing and writing materials in support of fundraising.
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to easily change writing styles to fit the author, audience, and voice of the piece.
• Successful experience in meeting aggressive revenue goals.
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of and dedication to the mission of the Hirshhorn Museum.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree is highly desired.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends and to travel as needed.

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.

Benefits and Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery". The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Relocation expenses are not paid. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by 11:59 pm on September 29, 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.

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

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. The initiatives include Reckoning with Our Racial Past (RWORP), the Rural Initiative, and others. 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 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 experienced, strategic, and technically knowledgeable candidates for the position of Online Engagement and Fundraising Analyst. Reporting to the Associate Director of Online Engagement and Fundraising, the Online Engagement and Fundraising Analyst is instrumental in raising more than $3 million in unrestricted revenue on behalf of Friends of the Smithsonian, and also offers guidance and support to all museums, centers, and programs under the Smithsonian umbrella in their online fundraising efforts.

Major duties include:

• Plan and execute digital strategy for the Friends of the Smithsonian membership and donor programs, as well as digital engagement projects aimed at growing the Smithsonian’s email list. This includes developing outbound strategy and content for appeals and list-growth campaigns, inbound strategy around testing and optimization, as well as analyzing performance and metrics to advise on future efforts.
• Manage data flow, hygiene, storage, and segmentation for acquisition, engagement, and appeals efforts across digital channels, including email and online advertising. Partner with the Office of Advancement’s Advancement Technology and Information Services teams as well as external vendors on data management and reporting projects.
• Track, analyze, and report on analytics. Develop analytics dashboards, optimize existing reporting practices, and recommend and implement tests with the goal of improving campaign performance and team insights into areas for growth.
• Provide guidance and assistance to digital teams across the Smithsonian as needed. Periodically conduct internal trainings on best practices with other members of the Online Engagement and Fundraising team.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Successful candidates will demonstrate experience with nonprofit fundraising strategy, technical knowledge of email and digital marketing practices and techniques, and a history of utilizing fundraising metrics to measure results and provide strategic recommendations. Candidates should be comfortable working within a range of reporting platforms, analytics tools, and data management systems to manipulate, transform, and analyze marketing data.

Required knowledge and skills include:

• Strong independent task management skills and familiarity with project management suites and products such as such as JIRA, Basecamp, Asana, Wrike, etc.
• Proficiency working within donation, CRM and/or eCommerce platforms. Experience with the Blackbaud Convio Luminate Online Platform, particularly developing for the Email, Donation, Pagebuilder, Survey and Constituent360 modules is highly desired; and/or similar digital marketing and email service platforms such as Salesforce, Klaviyo and Constant Contact.
• Proficiency working with web analytics, search optimization, and related platforms including Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, and Google Tag Manager. Proficiency with the Drupal CMS platform or similar preferred.
• An expert understanding of web markup (HTML5 and CSS3) and client-side scripting languages and libraries (e.g.: JavaScript, jQuery) is preferred.
• Experience with ReSTbased APIs and programming languages including SQL, Python and/or R is strongly preferred.

Applications should demonstrate a strong understanding of current web design, UX, and UI standards and trends, including responsive design standards and frameworks. Experience in user testing preferred, along with a proven track record of quality assurance, including meticulous attention to detail and experience with version control.

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 October 6, 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.

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 National Postal Museum houses and displays the national philatelic and postal history collection, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world. The museum serves as the nation’s premier center for philatelic and postal scholarship and shares its collections with the public through exhibitions, public programs, publications, as well as outreach activities designed for visitors of all ages. The National Postal Museum is repositioning itself for significant growth and expanded reach with the development of a new strategic vision. The museum has seen double digit increase in visitation over the past couple of years. Come join the National Postal Museum at this exciting time!

Duties and Responsibilities
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum (NPM) seeks an experienced and dynamic gift officer to serve as a member of its successful fundraising team. This is an exceptional opportunity for an energetic professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play an important role in building private support for public programs, exhibitions, educational and outreach activities, research, and endowment needs of the Museum. The Gift Officer will play a critical role in furthering an engagement strategy, developing, and managing a portfolio of prospects and helping to formulate strategy and implement plans to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Successful candidates will demonstrate proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. A minimum of two years of progressive major gift fundraising experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. 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.

Benefits and Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery". The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Relocation expenses are not paid.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to this link by 11:59 pm on October 11, 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.

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.

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 (RWORP). 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 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 Major Gifts Officer works in the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Institution as a member of the Major Gifts and Discovery team. This position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on expanding the scope and scale of the Smithsonian’s vision through philanthropic efforts. The Gift Officer will play a critical role in furthering an engagement strategy for key markets, developing, and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and helping formulate strategy and implement plans to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Successful candidates will demonstrate proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. The MGO will develop and execute strategies for discovery and engagement, present opportunities for support, and complete solicitations for mission critical projects across the Smithsonian.

A minimum of four years of progressive major gift fundraising experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. 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 to this link by October 11, 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.