Gift Officer (Foundation)

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we execute on our strategic plan and prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign - Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250^th 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.

Key Responsibilities

The Institutional Advancement team within the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Institution seeks a creative and energetic relationship builder with a demonstrated record of success with major foundation fundraising to join its successful team. This position, which will be housed in and managed by the Foundation Relations team in the Office of Advancement, will work with several arts, history, and culture-focused museums and research centers, including the Anacostia Community Museum, National Postal Museum, Archives of American Art, and Asian Pacific American Center. The position will work with both museum and research center advancement and program staff to cultivate major grant opportunities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play an important role in building private support for collections, access, education, research, and outreach and engagement activities as well as long-term strategies for organizational sustainability, including endowments. Duties include identifying, cultivating, and soliciting foundation prospects; working with museum and center directors and program leads on proposal development; managing stewardship and donor reporting; and negotiating complex grants.

The successful candidate is required to have a minimum of four years of fundraising experience. They must also possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building philanthropic relationships with foundation prospects and donors to achieve aggressive fundraising goals. Progressive fundraising experience, experience with diverse constituents, a drive to succeed, grant proposal writing, and ability to close major grants should be demonstrated in your application. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and the initiative and ability to work independently, and a mature and professional demeanor. Experience with complex higher education, cultural institutions, and/or cultural heritage work is preferred. Travel of up to 20% of the time is required.