Job  Board

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is seeking an accomplished advancement professional to join our team at a moment of pivotal growth. APAC was established in 1997 as a mission-critical initiative to further the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across the Smithsonian's collections, research, exhibitions, and programs. More than 24 million Americans in the U.S. trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In less than 50 years, nearly one of every ten people in America will trace their heritage to Asia and the Pacific. Only when AANHPI stories are told is our understanding of America and America’s standing in the world more accurate, more compelling, and more powerful. Having celebrated its 25th year in 2022, APAC is continuing its mission of amplifying AANHPI voices at the Smithsonian by creating new spaces for storytelling on the National Mall in Washington, DC. This period of significant and fast-paced transformation will shift APAC’s mostly virtual presence into more physical and enduring spaces, culminating in a dedicated gallery on the Mall—slated to open in 2030—where community members and visitors can learn how AANPHIs have contributed to the American experience and America’s position in the world. The incumbent will expand upon existing structures to build a robust network of donors, stakeholders, and supporters to help realize the unit’s ambitious mission. This position will organizationally be referred to as Director of Advancement and will lead APAC’s advancement efforts at this critical moment. This position is based in Washington, DC.   About the Major Gifts Officer The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center seeks to hire an accomplished Major Gifts Officer with proven fundraising experience to build and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a fundraising program focused on high capacity giving.  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; helping to steward board members and their networks; and helping to craft and implement a multi-year fundraising plan.   The position reports to the Director of the Asian Pacific American Center and coordinates closely with the Director of Major Gifts and Discovery from the Office of Advancement. This reporting structure provides an awareness of APAC’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.   About the Office of Advancement and Smithsonian Institution The Smithsonian Institution Office of Advancement, which leads fundraising activities for the Institution, is preparing to launch the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250^th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to today’s 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.   The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 22 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and eight 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.   Benefits and Application Instructions 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 oastaffing@si.edu by May 26, 2023. 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.   Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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.   The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. 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.