Writer-Editor

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 Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization,
driven by talented staff across our many museums and research and
cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for
the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future
of the Smithsonian and its museums and research centers. There is
no better time to join this amazing institution.

 

Key Responsibilities

The writer/editor will research, write, and edit compelling,
high-quality communications and marketing materials in all media to
advance fundraising priorities, including the upcoming
comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Smithsonian Campaign for
Our Shared Future. The incumbent reports to the Director of
Advancement Communications.

 

Major duties will include:

• Writes and edits a variety of communications and marketing
  materials such as publications, periodicals, white papers, concept
  papers, fundraising proposals, case statements, annual reports,
  informational brochures, press releases, newsletters, speeches,
  cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment letters, video and web
  content among other pieces. When necessary, writes and edits
  multiple drafts of white papers or concept papers on short
  timelines for donors of principal gifts. The subject matter covers
  a broad range of topics—from art, history, science, culture and
  education—involving all of the Smithsonian’s museums, and
  programs.

 

• Provides creative and technical advice so that colleagues
  across the Smithsonian are able to execute clear, compelling and
  effective visual materials. Oversees assigned projects from concept
  to product and delivery, collaborating with the director and
  graphic designers and assisting with approvals. Works closely with
  the team’s graphic designers to produce materials best in
  class.

 

• Researches and conducts interviews with Smithsonian experts,
  volunteer leaders and donors, and uses the information to form the
  foundation of all collateral. Some interviews could be conducted on
  camera for use in videos.

 

• Sets the standard for using innovative communications and
  marketing, branding and messaging, based on deep research and
  understanding of the Smithsonian collection and its work as the
  world’s largest museum, research and education complex. Experience
  as a writer for cultural institutions or national publications is a
  plus.

 

The Advancement Communications + Marketing includes a director,
three writers, two designers, a digital manager and production
manager. An award-winning team, the team supports Smithsonian
leadership and all museums and research centers, producing white
papers, concept papers, cases for support, proposals, brochures,
videos, magazine-style stories that run in IMPACT and the annual
report and more.

 

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent organizational
and time management skills; knowledge of fundraising technique,
including proposal writing, public relations, prospect research,
donor relations and stewardship, volunteer management and
correspondence management; skill in proposal and publication
development and print production; skill in writing for a variety of
audiences; ability to translate complex technical language and
ideas into easily comprehensible language to non-specialists;
interpersonal skills; ability to conduct research projects; and
skill in a variety of automated systems such as Microsoft Office,
Outlook, Excel Spreadsheets and related applications.

 

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
writing sample using this
link by February 9, 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.