Office of Advancement Career Opportunities

Join a team of fundraising professionals across the Institution working to chart the future of the Smithsonian.

Resumes are only accepted in applications for listed positions. Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Specify the position title for which you are applying in the subject line.

Looking for an internship? View open internships with the Office of Advancement.

Open Positions

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian seeks an Advancement Associate to serve as a part of the Museum’s hard-working, fast-paced membership team. The Advancement Associate updates records in the advancement database related to member information and correspondence and generates reports and reviews information for accuracy. The incumbent responds and resolves inquiries from members and other external constituents. S/he assists in the development and implementation of strategies for the acquisition, engagement, and retention of existing members, including the creation of member benefits and regular solicitation of member feedback. The incumbent creates and distributes the annual schedule of membership program activities and ensures benefits due to members are delivered on time. S/he plans and manages program events. This position reports to the Director of Membership.

Successful candidates will have two years of experience working in a membership program, preferably at a large, complex non-profit organization. Applications should demonstrate experience in assisting with the planning and implementation of marketing strategies designed to increase, retain, or encourage additional participation for an organization’s membership/donor program; providing customer service to members/donors; using a database system to properly record, review, and relay information; and proofreading/editing membership/donor program information materials for distribution. Qualified candidates will have strong attention to detail, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, and superior organizational and communications skills.

Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian works for equity and social justice for Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration, and empowerment. 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 museum also has a collections, research and conservation facility, the Cultural Resources Center, which is in Suitland, Maryland. New exhibitions, a national education initiative, and building a national Native American Veterans memorial are key projects in need of fundraising support.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a Federal Position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter, including title of the position for which they are applying, to [email protected] by February 11, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian seeks an Advancement Specialist to serve as a part of the Museum’s hard-working, fast-paced membership team. The Advancement Specialist is the primary liaison to vendors providing caging, data entry, and inbound telephone support. The incumbent manages processes and defines standard procedures for these vendors, resolves questions and problems, and serves as an escalation contact for member concerns. The incumbent develops metrics for member service activity and provides monthly reporting. The incumbent supports senior staff in financial operations, including recording revenue on a daily basis, corporate matching gift processing, inter-departmental transfers, and the development of revenue and expense summaries. On a monthly basis, the incumbent provides reporting to assist with reconciliations between financial systems. As needed, the incumbent supports contract bids. Additionally, the incumbent assists in the development and implementation of processes, projects, reports, fundraising and stewardship campaigns, events, correspondence, and collateral materials, as needed. S/he facilitates communication with other membership programs within the Institution. The incumbent assists with member engagement and supports all events hosted by the membership program. This position reports to the Director of Membership.

Successful candidates will have three years of experience administering a high-level membership program, preferably at a large, complex non-profit organization. Applications should demonstrate experience in member services operations, including ability to track revenue and expenses providing customer service to members/donors; using a database system to properly record, review, and relay information; ability to manage the business aspects of member services and fundraising, including knowledge of federal contracting and procurement principles; and proofreading/editing membership/donor program information materials for distribution. Qualified candidates will have strong attention to detail, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, and superior organization and communications skills.

Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian works for equity and social justice for Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration, and empowerment. 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 museum also has a collections, research and conservation facility, the Cultural Resources Center, which is in Suitland, Maryland. New exhibitions, a national education initiative, and building a national Native American Veterans memorial are key projects in need of fundraising support.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter, including title of the position for which they are applying, to [email protected] by February 11, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our new Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education and research complex, comprised of 19 museums and galleries, nine research centers, 21 libraries, the National Zoological Park and more than 200 affiliate museum partners. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning.

With dynamic leadership throughout the Institution, we are focused on broadening our reach by engaging new audiences who haven’t always been represented in museums and creating a more robust virtual Smithsonian that complements and amplifies our collections, our expertise, our exhibitions in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. Through this digital strategy we plan to touch every home and every school in America. Marrying the possibilities of digital access with the strong educational and programming offerings housed in our museums and research centers, we will provide equal and effective educational access to all primary and secondary school children.

Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. As we continue to build on our success, the Smithsonian seeks to hire an accomplished Major Gifts Officer with proven fundraising experience for a newly created hybrid position focused on both our Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) and advancing our institution-wide philanthropic goals in the greater New York area. Approximately 60% of the work of this position will support APAC while the other 40% of this position will focus on advancing our pan-institutional regional major gifts objectives. This position is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed one year.

Established in 1997, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is a national resource for discovering the consequence and complexity of the Asian Pacific American experience through collaboration, exhibitions, programs, and digital experiences. Its vision is to enrich the American Story through the voices of Asian Pacific Americans. The Center accomplishes this mission and vision through its own innovative national programming and digital engagement in addition to working with units across the Smithsonian.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on expanding the scope and scale of the Smithsonian’s vision through philanthropic efforts. The MGO will play a critical role in furthering an engagement strategy in a key regional market, developing and managing a portfolio of regional major gift prospects and helping formulate strategy and implement plans to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. The Major Gifts Officer will secure contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations by discovering and cultivating a productive relationship with prospective donors; presenting opportunities for giving through solicitation efforts; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individual donors and prospects; and helping to steward APAC board members, other volunteer leaders and their networks.

The position reports to the Director of Major Gifts and Discovery from the Office of Advancement. This reporting structure provides an awareness of the Center's priorities and goals across the Institution’s broader advancement community. The incumbent works closely with the Office of Advancement to coordinate with colleagues as appropriate on matters relating to proposals, gift agreements, budgets and reporting, and other policy and process areas. The Major Gifts Officer supervises one administrative support staff who will help to craft and implement a multi-year fundraising plan for APAC.

A minimum of four years of fundraising experience preferably in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is necessary. A proven success in securing significant contributions through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors should be demonstrated in your application. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. The successful candidate will have a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation. Experience working with Asian Pacific American donors or organizations and/or a familiarity with topics and issues related to Asian Pacific Americans is preferred but not required. Travel is required and work during the evenings and weekends may be necessary.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. To learn more about the Smithsonian, please visit www.si.edu. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to [email protected] by February 11, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Institution’s Office of Advancement seeks a qualified candidate to serve as Assistant Director, Foundation Relations. The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.

With the Director of Foundation Relations, the Assistant Director will oversee foundation fundraising across the Smithsonian. This position manages a portfolio of national, regional, and local foundations, and actively works with colleagues to design actionable strategies and to cultivate, solicit, and steward these relationships. This position will work with gift officers and program staff within museums, research centers and outreach programs to aid in the foundation cultivation and solicitation process and create and execute unique stewardship opportunities for foundation donors. This position also will research and communicate philanthropic trends and best practices across the institution and design and facilitate educational opportunities for development staff.

A successful candidate is required to have three-to-five years of fundraising experience, ideally experience in cultivating and stewarding foundation donors. They must also possess strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships both internally and externally at all levels, and a mature and professional demeanor.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

The Smithsonian offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about us visit www.si.edu. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letter to [email protected] by February 13, 2022. Include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden seeks a charismatic and accomplished Director of Advancement with proven fundraising experience to help grow a high-performing advancement department to serve the philanthropy needs of the museum today and for the future. The incumbent will develop and manage the museum’s fundraising program and raise major gifts from individual donors, corporations, and foundations for exhibitions, public programs, museum collections, and other initiatives. In addition, the Director of Advancement will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a multiyear capital campaign to support our Sculpture Garden revitalization efforts.

The Director of Advancement oversees the advancement program for the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, with responsibility for planning, generating, and executing fund-raising initiatives with an emphasis on major gifts. S/he manages a portfolio of prospects including qualification of new prospects, and the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors through in person visits and communications. The Director supervises the advancement staff of six full-time staff members. This position oversees the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Board activities. S/he develops written annual work plans, visit and solicitation goals in conjunction with the Museum Director, and prepares reports on activities. The Director collaborates with museum staff and other Smithsonian units on programs and solicitations.

The Director of Advancement must be passionate about the Hirshhorn Museum, its history, and its important position in the international contemporary and modern art landscape, to deliver a persuasive message about investment in the programs and collections of the museum.

The successful candidate will have at least five to seven years of successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a major, arts-related institution, non-profit organization, or educational institution. Application materials should show experience in building long-term donor relationships and closing 5-7 figure gifts. Hands-on board management experience with a proven history of fundraising success, including cultivation through solicitation and stewardship as well as experience working with planned giving, grant writing, and annual fund strategies should be demonstrated in application. Candidates must have superior oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Application materials should show experience building an advancement program for a cultural organization. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences and ideas converge. We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to [email protected] by February 16, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden seeks a charismatic and accomplished Gift Officer with proven fundraising experience to help build and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a program focused on high capacity giving. The Gift Officer is responsible for fundraising efforts resulting in contributing to the museum’s overall fundraising goal. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Gift Officer will work to raise support for the Hirshhorn through individual giving, patron membership, general membership, and gala giving. This position oversees and manages select events to ensure meaningful engagement of volunteers and patrons; ensure the efficient use of resources, and maximum revenue generation; develop event programming that serves a diversity of audiences while yielding new major gift prospects and increasing the volunteer and prospect base. The Gift Officer will maintain a relationship with Smithsonian’s central Office of Advancement, coordinating with colleagues as appropriate on matters relating to proposals, gift agreements.

The Gift Officer must be passionate about the Hirshhorn Museum, its history, and its important position in the international contemporary and modern art landscape, to deliver a persuasive message about investment in the programs and collections of the museum.

The successful candidate will have at least two years of specialized experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably within a major, arts-related institution, non-profit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity. S/he must have superior development skills and highly effective interpersonal communication abilities. Application materials should show a demonstrated ability to raise funds, to be a strategic, creative thinker, and to complete projects in an efficient fashion. Experience managing and fundraising for special events is a plus. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to [email protected] by February 16, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Office of Advancement seeks an experienced, technical, and creative candidate to serve as Digital Fundraising Manager as part of the Online Engagement and Fundraising team, reporting to the Director of Online Engagement and Fundraising. The Digital Fundraising Manager is responsible for planning and executing digital strategy for the Friends of the Smithsonian membership and donor programs, as well as digital engagement projects aimed at growing the Smithsonian’s email list. This includes developing outbound strategy and content for appeals and list-growth campaigns, inbound strategy around testing and optimization, as well as analyzing performance and metrics to advise on future efforts.

The Digital Fundraising Manager also manages the Blackbaud “Convio” Luminate Online platform on behalf of the Smithsonian Office of Advancement and serves as lead technical consultant for OA and all Smithsonian museums and programs using Luminate Online for their digital marketing and fundraising efforts. This includes partnering with the Office of Advancement’s Advancement Technology and Information Services teams on projects related to data flow, hygiene, storage, and segmentation.

The Digital Fundraising Manager is part of a team of three, and also acts as a liaison with vendors and/or contract employees. As part of the Smithsonian’s central Advancement office, the Digital Philanthropy team also offers guidance and best practices, as needed, for the online fundraising needs of the various museums and research centers that fall under the Smithsonian umbrella. The Digital Fundraising Manager offers strategic and technical guidance and assistance on an as-needed basis and periodically conducts training in online fundraising best practices.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong background in fundraising strategy, communications, and technical knowledge of digital marketing practices and techniques. Strong writing and editing skills and experience in the creation of web-based content is preferred. S/he will have an expert understanding of nonprofit online marketing and fundraising, including growing an email list, developing compelling content, designing effective engagement and conversion opportunities. Demonstrated understanding of ongoing stewardship techniques for correspondence with donors, supporters, and the public.

The ideal applicant will have knowledge, experience and/or proficiency with the following software and technological skills:

  • Blackbaud “Convio” Luminate Online platform, including the Email, Donation, Pagebuilder, Survey and Constituent360 modules
  • Web markup, including HTML5 and CSS3
  • Clientside scripting languages and libraries (e.g. JavaScript, jQuery) to create rich interactive content as well as the ability to integrate the ReST-based Luminate Online APIs and/or custom serverside code to produce dynamic pages
  • ReSTbased APIs, JSON, XML strongly preferred
  • Responsive design, standards, and frameworks (e.g. Bootstrap)
  • Current web design, UX, and UI standards and trends as well as Web Accessibility implementation standards
  • Developing crossbrowser and crossplatform compatible web solutions and data flow
  • Web analytics, particularly Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, including implementation.
  • SQL, Python, and or R
  • Email Service Providers such as MailChimp
  • Search Engine Marketing, particularly Google Ads
  • Google Optimize web testing platform
  • Drupal 8
  • Demonstrated quality assurance skills including meticulous attention to detail and experience with version control.
  • User testing

The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support and guidance to development offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

The Smithsonian offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about us visit www.si.edu. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letter to [email protected] by February 17, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art is embarking on an exciting transformation with a new director and a new future-looking vision. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to fill the Associate Director of Advancement and Communication position. This is a key role in the Executive Management team, responsible for directing all functions and aspects of fundraising, communications, and external affairs for the National Museum of African Art.

The incumbent provides expert, pragmatic advice to the Museum Director on all aspects of advancement; makes substantial recommendations for policy changes and new program directions; and plans, establishes, and leads major fundraising initiatives, including but not limited to annual, major, planned, corporate, foundation, membership, and endowment giving, as well as capital campaigns, to support the broad and ever-evolving programmatic needs of the Museum.

The Associate Director works closely with the Museum’s Advisory Board in setting and supporting the priorities of the Museum’s Director. The Associate Director manages cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. She/he/they work(s) closely with the Public Affairs Specialist and communications team in communicating the Museum’s mission and needs to a broad constituency. The Associate Director devises advancement and public relations strategies for accomplishing programmatic, exhibition and capital fundraising objectives and marketing campaigns and partnerships. She/he/they supervise(s) the Museum’s advancement, communications, and external affairs staff.

The Smithsonian and the National Museum of African Art is a welcoming organization. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. Successful candidates will ideally have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in major gifts fundraising and management, preferably within a major cultural institution, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity. Demonstrated ability to build long-term donor relationships and securing five seven-figure gifts is required as well as experience in communications, PR and marketing. Strong organization, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently, are essential. Applications should show proven ability to motivate, develop and supervise staff.

Understanding of and dedication to the mission of the National Museum of African Art is essential. Fluency in French or Arabic and existing connections to a network of African Art donors, prospects, media and influencers is desired. A bachelor’s degree is required. National and international travel is required and work during the evenings and weekends may be necessary.

The National Museum of African Art has one of the most significant collections of African art in the world. It is renowned for exhibitions and programs that challenge assumptions about the continent and its diaspora- bringing together historical and contemporary art, north and south, east, and west, in an ongoing conversation about who we are and where we’re going.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. Under the leadership of Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian is on a mission to become a truly 21st century museum complex. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to [email protected] by March 8, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to explore and understand the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet, encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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 Tropical Research Institute (STRI) seeks a dynamic and accomplished Associate Director for Advancement and Outreach with proven fundraising experience to help grow a high-performing advancement program. The Associate Director formulates and implements a strategic plan for an integrated fundraising model that supports annual and long-term goals. S/he manages a well-established advancement team on two continents, and leads a diverse portfolio of assets, including individual donors, private foundations, public sector foundations, and partners in the private sector. This work includes the qualification of new prospects, and the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors through in person visits and communications. The Associate Director collaborates with museum staff and other Smithsonian units on programs and solicitations.

The Associate Director must be passionate about STRI’s devotion to original research focused both on fundamental understanding of tropical, marine, and terrestrial organisms, and on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in support of tropical conservation and sustainability. In addition, the Associate Director must also be passionate about science education, outreach, and engagement – in Panama and around the world.

The successful candidate will have four to six years of successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a major, science-related institution, non-profit organization, or educational institution. Application materials should show experience in building long-term donor relationships and closing 5-7 figure gifts. Hands-on board management experience with a proven history of fundraising success, including cultivation through solicitation and stewardship as well as experience working with planned giving, grant writing, and annual fund strategies should be demonstrated in the application. Candidates must have superior oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated success in foundation proposal writing and the ability to translate technical ideas into language easily comprehensible to non-specialists. Candidates must also have demonstrated competence in taking initiative and ownership of projects and working with minimal direction and supervision. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Headquartered in the Republic of Panama, STRI is the world’s premier tropical biology research organization, dedicated to increasing understanding of the past, present, and future of tropical biodiversity and its relevance to human welfare. STRI’s basic research is conducted primarily in tropical forest and coral reef ecosystems. STRI scientists discover new organisms, test scientific explanations for ecological adaptation and evolutionary innovation, develop methods to restore degraded lands, train students and promote conservation of tropical ecosystems. STRI provides: a comprehensive tropical sciences library; a network of research stations in the American tropics and a station in Kenya, all protected under international treaties and equipped for sophisticated studies; and two construction-crane canopy-access systems. STRI also coordinates ForestGEO, a global network of more than 50 forest research and monitoring stations on five continents. Additionally, STRI hosts a fellowship program that provides training opportunities to students worldwide and provides advanced graduate studies with affiliated institutions. A bilingual public education and outreach program interprets STRI research and promotes conservation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.stri.si.edu.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

The Smithsonian offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about us visit www.si.edu. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letter to [email protected] by March 8, 2022. Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line. 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.