Chief Advancement Officer

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.

Key Responsibilities

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum seeks an experienced, dynamic, front-line fundraiser to assume the role of Chief Advancement Officer. Working closely with the Director of External Affairs, the Chief Advancement Officer 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 Chief Advancement Officer 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.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

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.