Gift Officer

Oct 16

National Museum of the American Latino, Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC

Anticipated Start Date: November 5, 2024

Description

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.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum collaborates with other Smithsonian museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The Molina Family Latino Gallery of the National Museum of the American Latino is the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian was established by Congress in December 2020.

Responsibilities

The National Museum of the American Latino seeks an experienced and dynamic Institutional Gift Officer who has experience with corporate and foundation fundraising. This is an exceptional opportunity for an energetic professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play an important role in building private support for public programs, exhibitions, educational and outreach activities, and endowment needs of the Museum.

The incumbent will be responsible for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities for corporations and foundations. The incumbent is responsible for providing a high level of support for the museum’s top-level prospects and donors and managing a portfolio of institutional prospects. The Gift Officer will work creatively to match donor interest with unit priorities, develop funding proposals and negotiate complex gifts.

Requirements

The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building relationships across a spectrum of foundation and corporate donors. Progressive fundraising experience, experience with diverse constituents, and ability to close major gifts should be demonstrated in your application. This position requires knowledge of and experience with writing proposals and reports, preparing complex budgets and grant management. Candidates must have strong organizational and communication skills, and the initiative and ability to work independently. Experience in a complex higher education or a large cultural organization is preferred. The position is based in Washington, DC. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. Travel is required.

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

$117,962-$153,354

How to Apply for this Job

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.” 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

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by November 5, 2024. 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. This position is a temporary position funded through September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.

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.

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.

About the Organization

For centuries, diverse Latino communities have played foundational roles in building the United States and shaping its national culture. Their rich histories and legacies predate the nation's establishment. They are deeply rooted in this country's pursuit of democracy, freedom, multiculturalism, and economic opportunity.

Their stories and perspectives deepen our understanding of the United States and what it means to be American. On December 27, 2020, legislation passed calling for the Smithsonian to establish the National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL). The new museum will be the cornerstone for visitors to learn how Latinos have contributed and continue to contribute to U.S. art, history, culture, and science. Additionally, it will serve as a gateway to exhibitions, collections, and programming at other Smithsonian museums, research centers, and traveling exhibition services.

Since the legislation passed, the Smithsonian has named a Board of Trustees and commenced the site-selection process, conducting a site survey to identify a location on or near the National Mall for the new museum. Jorge Zamanillo, Executive Director and CEO of History Miami Museum, has been named Founding Director of NMAL, effective May 2, 2022.

In June 2022, NMAL will open its first exhibition, the Molina Family Latino Gallery, at the National Museum of American History while the future home of the new museum is planned, designed, and constructed.

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