Major Gifts Officer (Assistant Director of Advancement)

Job Description

Description

OPEN DATE: May 10, 2024

CLOSING DATE: June 7, 2024

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Low Risk/Critical Non-Sensitive

Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.

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 U.S. is not required to apply.

Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and the institution’s leadership are launching a campaign to support this vision. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. The campaign will provide a foundation for critical research to ensure people and nature thrive together, build unparalleled education programs with families and partners, collect the world’s most precious objects, document the present while reflecting on the past, and reimagine the visitor experience both in-person and online. We are bringing the Smithsonian off the National Mall and across the country through dynamic programming and affiliate partnerships, creating access for all. The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum. These museums will share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be American.

The Anacostia Community Museum was established by the Smithsonian Institution in September 1967 as the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum in Southeast Washington, D.C. It shares the untold and often overlooked stories of communities furthest from justice in the greater Washington, D.C. region. In celebrating stories of resiliency, joy, and strength, the museum inspires those who visit to translate their ideas into action. The Smithsonian’s Center for Environmental Justice at the Anacostia Community Museum launched on Earth Day 2023 and seeks to create a future in which environmentalism is a cornerstone of civic engagement through which residents contribute to the development of healthy, equitable communities. The Center encourages a humanities-led framework that places traditional scientific research and data in the context of daily life.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum seeks an experienced, dynamic, front-line fundraiser to assume the role of Assistant Director of Advancement. Working closely with the Director of External Affairs, the Assistant Director oversees all fundraising at the Museum, including foundation grants, major gifts, annual fund, and cultivation events. The incumbent manages relationships with current and prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. Regular interaction with donors and prospects is expected, and direct, independent solicitation of gifts from individual and institutional donors is a central aspect of the position. The Assistant Director develops and manages activity for the portfolio of prospects ranging from major gifts to principal gifts and seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio and increase giving from current donors. The incumbent oversees and fully participates in all Advisory Board activities. The incumbent reports to the Director of External Affairs and supervises one gift officer.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicants will have a minimum of five years of successful experience in fundraising with increasing level of responsibility preferably in a museum or community-based non-profit setting. A demonstrated track record of building long-term donor relationships and closing 5-7 figure gifts. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, communication, project management, and supervisory skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential.

A demonstrated understanding of and dedication to the mission of the Anacostia Community Museum should be included with the application. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is highly desirable. Travel is required and work during the evening 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.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Application Instructions

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 by June 7, 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. 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 . 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. See Smithsonian EEO program information: