Job Description

Grade: 14
Location: Washington, DC
Closing: June 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.

About the Gift Officer
The Institutional Advancement team within the Office of Advancement seeks a creative and energetic relationship builder with a demonstrated record of success with individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising to join its successful advancement team. This position will work with the Office of Advancement and the Office of Digital Transformation leadership to cultivate philanthropic support and strategic partners for this institution-wide effort. In addition, it will lead the fundraising strategy for digital initiatives which may include improving the accessibility and discoverability of Smithsonian content, data intelligence, audience engagement, online experiences, research computing, and/or open knowledge, in partnership with other Advancement and digital teams. This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play an important role in building private support for the digital transformation priorities of the Institution. Duties include identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; creating compelling and persuasive proposals; managing stewardship of donors; and negotiating complex cash and in-kind gifts.

The successful candidate is required to have a minimum of six 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 of $1M or more 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 in the technology industry or in partnership with technology and technology-adjacent sectors is preferred, as is familiarity with funding models for innovation hubs, technology incubators, and/or accelerators. Demonstrated familiarity with digital values including experimentation, risk-taking, and iterative development should be included with the application. Experience with complex higher education, research 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.

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 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 22 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and eight research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." 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 Information 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. 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. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by June 30, 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); average number of hours worked per week; and salary requirements.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. 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 .