Gift Officer (Assistant Director of Advancement)
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC
Anticipated Start Date: TBD
Description
Position: Gift Officer (Assistant Director of Advancement)
Unit: Smithsonian Science Education Center
Closing Date: March 11, 2024
Grade 13 ($120,579 - $156,755)
Duty Station is Washington, DC
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian. In 2024, we launched the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history. The campaign, which runs through 2026, aims to raise $2.5 billion to support all Smithsonian museums and centers—each with a vision to achieve a better future for all. The Smithsonian is also raising support for a series of signature programs, events and exhibitions to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 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.
Responsibilities
SSEC seeks an experienced individual to serve as Assistant Director for Advancement. The Assistant Director builds and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors, including a significant portfolio of corporate and foundation donors, to execute a program focused on high capacity giving. This work affects the successful achievement of major programs such as the progress of various internal programs, developing and maintaining partnerships, and/or the funding of a substantial number of trust positions affected by these efforts. The incumbent reports to the SSEC Director and is a member of SSEC’s leadership team. This is a supervisory position.
The incumbent works closely with SSEC’s Director, staff, and Advisory Board members in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing a coordinated advancement program. The incumbent determines the direction and overall tasks of the advancement program for SSEC and works closely with the SSEC Director and other SSEC leaders to build a culture of philanthropy within SSEC, keeping the Director informed of unanticipated issues, organizing development activities and solicitations, and recommending development policies and procedures. Duties and responsibilities of the position include:
Conducts the advancement program for SSEC, with responsibility for planning, generating, and executing fundraising initiatives, as well as for identifying funding priorities, creating, and pursuing multiple strategies for securing private monies and needed funds, and for implementing specific projects and development-related programs.
Works closely with the SSEC Director, and other staff in establishing funding priorities. Prepares and oversees development of proposals, and prepares and produces case statements, brochures, solicitations, and other development and fundraising materials and publications.
In collaboration with the Office of Advancement’s Director of Institutional Advancement, serves as the senior fundraising authority, counseling staff on matters relating to private funding, advising which funding sources might be appropriate for projects and the best manner of approaching them. Regularly briefs SSEC senior staff on fundraising plans, priorities, and activities. Reviews staff contacts with outside parties to identify possible cultivation and stewardship opportunities, advising and assisting other department staff in donor engagement. In this capacity, coordinates work of other staff planning for and securing private support.
Manages and sustains a portfolio of at least 120 prospects, including a significant portion of institutional funders, and a proposal pipeline to meet the annual targets and goals. Leads the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors. Develops and implements stewardship program to support these efforts. Prepares and staffs others when leading these efforts on behalf of SSEC.
Manages the Advisory Board activities including the execution of coordinated annual programmatic, messaging and engagement strategies that highlight SSEC’s initiatives and priorities ensuring that members are inspired, informed, and connected through meaningful work, programs, and communications. Collaborates with, cultivates, and solicits the active support and involvement of the Advisory Board in philanthropic activities, including high-priority leadership and principal gifts.
Ensures donations are processed and acknowledged in a timely manner and maintains accurate and timely records for gifts, donors, and prospects in the Institution’s advancement information system. Maintains records of solicitations and contacts for self and Director, and activity and accomplishments.
Coordinates and collaborates fundraising efforts with other units and the Office of Advancement, in support of prospect strategies, programs, special projects, and events. Serves as liaison to the Office of Advancement, briefing the organization’s Director and senior staff on centralized fundraising plans and policies and advising on appropriate and synergistic alignments between the organization and Smithsonian fundraising plans. Develops and oversees the advancement budget.
Requirements
Successful candidates will demonstrate proven ability to develop and manage a fundraising program in a major cultural, scientific, educational and/or non-profit organization, including the ability to navigate large, complex institutions. Ability to develop goals and plans of accomplishment. Proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals, corporation 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 eight years of experience in progressively responsible advancement leadership positions, which includes work in individual giving, institutional giving, stewardship, and Advisory Board management. A passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree is highly desired. 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.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
$120,579 - $156,755
How to Apply for this Job
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
by March 11, 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.
About the Organization
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world.
WOC is not responsible for the content of job postings.
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