Advancement Program Specialist (Gift Officer) (IS-1001-12) - National Museum of the American Indian

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 
Moderate Risk/Non-Sensitive

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). 

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.

 

Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is an institution of living cultures dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. The National Museum of the American Indian is comprised of two premier centers for exhibitions and public programs— a museum in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall, and a second museum in Manhattan in New York City – the only Smithsonian to have two museum locations. The museum also has a collections, research and conservation facility, the Cultural Resources Center, which is in Suitland, Maryland. The three facilities of the National Museum of the American Indian make it one of the leading museums for and about Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere and a popular cultural and art destination. 

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian seeks a dynamic major gift officer who has experience with foundation, corporate, and tribal 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, research, and endowment needs of the Museum. The incumbent will assist the advancement office with prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities for foundations, tribal nations, and corporations. 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 with the capacity to support the mission of the Museum with annual and major gifts. The Gift Officer will work creatively to match donor interest with unit priorities, develop funding proposals and negotiate complex gifts. 

The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building relationships across a spectrum of foundation, corporations, and tribal 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 with tribal organizations, in complex higher education or a large cultural organization is preferred. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Assistant Director for Institutional Giving.  Travel is required at least 25% of the time. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. Occasional travel may be 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.

 

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 July 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. 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. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.