Major Gifts Officer

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in
the Smithsonian’s history as we develop and implement strategic
initiatives designated by the Smithsonian’s Secretary such as the
Rural Initiative and Reckoning with Our Racial Past (RWORP).
Community and nationally focused programs are being planned in
support of these initiatives through 2025 and will our goal of
expanding the Smithsonian’s reach and impact and empowering the
institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.
The Smithsonian is also developing two 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 while working with designated units across the
campus. There is no better time to join this amazing
Institution.

The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising
efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central
advancement 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.

Key Responsibilities

The Major Gifts Officer works in the Office of Advancement at
the Smithsonian Institution as a member of the Major Gifts and
Discovery team. 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 Gift Officer will play a critical role
in furthering an engagement strategy for key markets, developing,
and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and helping
formulate strategy and implement plans to achieve ambitious
fundraising goals.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful candidates will demonstrate proven success in
securing significant contributions from individuals through
creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with
prospective donors. Strong organizational, relationship,
collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to
work independently are essential. The MGO will develop and execute
strategies for discovery and engagement, present opportunities for
support, and complete solicitations for mission critical projects
across the Smithsonian.

A minimum of four years of progressive major gift fundraising
experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire
to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in
your application. Experience in complex higher education or a large
cultural or environmental organization is preferred. Travel is
required and work during the evenings 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 to this
link by March 8, 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 [email protected]. 
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.