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Introduction

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian. In 2024, we launched the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history. The campaign, which runs through 2026, aims to raise $2.5 billion to support all Smithsonian museums and centers—each with a vision to achieve a better future for all. The Smithsonian is also raising support for a series of signature programs, events, and exhibitions to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 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.

As part of its strategic focus to build and enrich a national culture of learning by engaging with educational systems nationwide, The Office of the Under Secretary for Education at the Smithsonian is actively planning and implementing multiple initiatives to expand outreach and engagement across the country, with special emphasis on connecting with rural America and communities where there is little or no existing relationship with the Smithsonian.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of the Under Secretary for Education seeks an experienced and dynamic gift officer to serve as a member of its successful fundraising team. The position builds and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a program focused on high capacity giving to support the Smithsonian’s work to bring new education programs and resources to the country. The position is responsible for efforts resulting in significant contribution levels to support the pan-Institutional work of both the Rural Initiative and the Reckoning with Our Racial Past Initiative. It also works closely with Smithsonian leadership driving this work including the Director of the Rural Initiative, Under Secretary of Education, and the central Office of Advancement leadership team, as well as unit directors across the Institution.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful candidates will demonstrate proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations 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. A minimum of three 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.

Benefits and Application Instructions

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery". The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by February 14, 2025. 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.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins. 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.

Position: Gift Officer