Job Description

Cooper Hewitt seeks a motivated and experienced individual fundraising specialist to join its advancement team. The Individual Giving Officer reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and liaises with colleagues – in the department, at the museum, and across the Smithsonian Institution – to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward philanthropic support from individuals at all levels of investment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for raising funds from individuals in support of museum exhibitions, education programs, special initiatives, and general operations. Responsibilities across functional areas include prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; creating effective requests for support and stewardship materials; overseeing donor engagement and activations; developing systems and protocols; executing campaigns and gift agreements; and collaborating with colleagues to leverage opportunities across the museum. Responsibilities also include acknowledgements, correspondence and invitations; budget management; and recordkeeping. The incumbent manages a personal portfolio of 50-100 individuals, and plans and manages a calendar of engagement activity. They collaborate with colleagues at Cooper Hewitt and at Central Smithsonian, and with volunteer leaders, to elicit information, devise tailored strategies, align proposals with upcoming program offerings, prepare for meetings, fulfill follow-up and reporting requirements, ensure rewarding event experiences, and devise advancement communications and campaigns. They identify and activate growth areas and opportunities, and track, analyze and report on fundraising results. They oversee the membership program, taking special responsibility for upgrade strategies and for ensuring personalized experiences for Circle-level members. The incumbent will take on other duties as assigned, including representing the museum and interacting with a wide range of colleagues and supporters, participating in development-related special events that entail some evening and weekend hours.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Five to seven years’ experience of building relationships with and investments by individual supporters in a fast-paced nonprofit or mission-driven context. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office and CRM experience essential) Effective interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail and organization. A team spirit, the ability to take both initiative and direction, and a comfort level with problem-solving and prioritization.

SALARY: $102,063 to $105,568

The Smithsonian uses the General Schedule (GS) pay scale for Trust and Federally funded positions. This is a Trust funded position at Grade 12 steps 01 to 02.

TEMPORARY TRUST APPOINTMENT:

This is a full-time one-year appointment which is renewable annually.

DUTY STATION:

The permanent duty station is 2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Background Investigation.

• Complete a Probationary Period.

• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.

• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is not required to apply.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by March 21, 2025. 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. Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins. 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.