Job Description

Grade: Smithsonian Affiliations
Location: Grade: 13
Status: Location: Washington, DC
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 .