Job Description

Grade: 14
Location: Washington, DC
Closing: February 20

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian's history during the creation of two new Smithsonian 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. These museums build on the legacy and impact of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has helped transform the nation's understanding of American history since its opening in 2016. Following the success of the Smithsonian's first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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.

About the Gift Officer
Supporting the success of the Smithsonian's second comprehensive capital campaign and the goals of the Office of Principal and Planned Giving, the Gift Officer is responsible for coordinating planned and principal gift fundraising for the central Office of Advancement and for the Smithsonian's museums, research and education centers. The Smithsonian seeks experienced and creative candidates who will identify, manage, cultivate and solicit a portfolio of highly qualified planned and principal gift donors and prospects. The incumbent will close a range of outright, blended and deferred gifts including Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts and gifts real estate and other complex assets. The Gift Officer will assist advancement staff at museums, research and education centers with assessments of their current planned/principal gift efforts and will work closely with them to establish a targeted gift strategy for significant blended gifts to the Institution including endowments for positions and spaces.

Successful applicants 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. A minimum of four 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.

About the Office of Advancement and Smithsonian 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and nine research centers. Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

Benefits and Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by February 20, 2023. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution ensures its employees (federal and trust), applicants, and affiliated persons (interns, research associates, fellows, and volunteers) are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, or political affiliation and are free from reprisal against protected activities. In addition, other Smithsonian policy prohibits discrimination based on membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors, and political affiliation.

The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.