Gift Officer (Tribal, Foundation, and Corporate)
Washington, DC, United States
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonians history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaigns public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nations 250th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonians reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to todays 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.
Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian is an institution of living cultures dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. 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 only Smithsonian to have two museum locations. The museum also has a collections, research and conservation facility, the Cultural Resources Center, which is in Suitland, Maryland. The three facilities of the National Museum of the American Indian make it one of the leading museums for and about Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere and a popular cultural and art destination.
Key Responsibilities
The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian seeks a dynamic major gift officer who has experience with foundation, corporate, and tribal fundraising. This is an exceptional opportunity for an energetic professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play an important role in building private support for public programs, exhibitions, educational and outreach activities, research, and endowment needs of the Museum. The incumbent will assist the advancement office with prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities for foundations, tribal nations, and corporations. The incumbent is responsible for providing a high level of support for the museums top-level prospects and donors and managing a portfolio of institutional prospects with the capacity to support the mission of the Museum with annual and major gifts. The Gift Officer will work creatively to match donor interest with unit priorities, develop funding proposals and negotiate complex gifts.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building relationships across a spectrum of foundation, corporations, and tribal donors. Progressive fundraising experience, experience with diverse constituents, and ability to close major gifts should be demonstrated in your application. This position requires knowledge of and experience with writing proposals and reports, preparing complex budgets and grant management. Candidates must have strong organizational and communication skills, and the initiative and ability to work independently. Experience with tribal organizations, in complex higher education or a large cultural organization is preferred. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Assistant Director for Institutional Giving. Travel is required at least 25% of the time. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. Occasional travel may be required.
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.