Skip to content
Menu

Job  Board

Native Americans in Philanthropy is dedicated to increasing and nurturing Indigenous representation in the philanthropic sector. With that in mind, the opportunities on our Job Board fit one of the following criteria:    

  1. The position is within a philanthropic or nonprofit organization 
  2. The position itself is philanthropic in nature and/or focuses on roles essential to or valued by the philanthropic sector i.e. fundraising, grantmaking, gift processing or development, donor relations, nonprofit management and/or administration, social justice, equity, conservation, etc.  

Please submit your job opportunity here and note that assessment and approval of submissions can take up to 48 hours.

NOTE: Positions marked as "Featured" are either Native-focused roles or based at organizations focused on Native communities.

Assistant Director of Institutional Giving

National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)
Full Time

Job Details

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for 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 250th 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.   About the Assistant Director of Institutional Giving The National Museum of the American Indian seeks an experienced and dynamic candidate to serve as the Assistant Director of Institutional Giving. This is an exceptional opportunity for an energetic professional with strong frontline fundraising skills to play a key role in building private support for educational and outreach activities, research, and endowment needs at the Museum. The Assistant Director leads the museum’s Institutional Giving Team and manages a portfolio of tribes, corporations, and foundations and actively engages in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts, grants, and sponsorships. This position works closely with the Associate Director of Advancement to lead Institutional fundraising for the museum. The position reports to the NMAI’s Associate Director for Advancement as a key member of the NMAI advancement management team and liaison to the central Smithsonian Office of Advancement.   The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building relationships across a spectrum of tribal, foundation, and corporate donors to achieve significant fundraising goals. A Bachelors’ degree and at least six years of Institutional Relations experience, including prospecting, cultivation, proposal writing, and stewardship is required. Strong verbal and written communications skills, along with the ability to build strong working relationships both internally and externally at all levels, are essential. 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 Associate Director for Advancement.  Travel is required at least 25% of the time. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.   About the National Museum of the American Indian and Smithsonian Institution Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian’s 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.   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 Information 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 resume, cover letter, and a sample of a recently funded major gift proposal oastaffing@si.edu by April 23, 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); average number of hours worked per week; and salary requirements.   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.

Stories & Updates

Changing the conversation.
Get the latest NAP news.
Native Youth Grantmakers in Seattle

Native Youth Grantmakers in Seattle

The 2026 Native Youth Grantmakers (NYG) convened together for the first time on the homelands of our Coast Salish relatives. Beyond gaining new relatives and networking at every turn, the retreat’s agenda included courses in personal development, cultural grounding, and exploring each participant’s role as members of their respective communities and their new place within the philanthropic sector.

Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces Third Cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers

Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces Third Cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers

Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is thrilled to announce the 2025-2026 Native Youth Grantmakers. These extraordinary and highly accomplished young individuals are the embodiment of passion, excellence, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. As we welcome this new cohort, we celebrate their achievements, their futures, and their dedication to advancing Native-led philanthropy.  

Standing Hand-in-Hand: Reflections on Reclamation, Partnership, and Possibility in Hawaiʻi

Standing Hand-in-Hand: Reflections on Reclamation, Partnership, and Possibility in Hawaiʻi

Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy came together for the Power in Solidarity: Hawaiʻi Funder Tour

It's Always A Good Day To Be Indigenous: How NAP Staff Honor Indigenous Peoples Day

It's Always A Good Day To Be Indigenous: How NAP Staff Honor Indigenous Peoples Day

This Indigenous Peoples Day, we are proud to center the voices of our staff—community leaders from across Indian Country—who share what this day means to them. 

In Pilot Year, Youth-Led Indigenous Tomorrows Fund Awards $720K To 24 Orgs Advancing Community Wellbeing

In Pilot Year, Youth-Led Indigenous Tomorrows Fund Awards $720K To 24 Orgs Advancing Community Wellbeing

Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) grants.

Elevating Indigenous Voices in the 21st Century Child Welfare Research Agenda

Elevating Indigenous Voices in the 21st Century Child Welfare Research Agenda

To truly transform child welfare practices and programs, it is essential that the perspectives of Indigenous peoples and Native-led organizations are prioritized.

Indigenous-Led Funds: A Movement with Momentum

Indigenous-Led Funds: A Movement with Momentum

It’s important to take a step back and reflect on some of the important progress we’ve made Indigenizing philanthropy.

Fort Peck’s Buffalo Restoration and the America The Beautiful Challenge

Fort Peck’s Buffalo Restoration and the America The Beautiful Challenge

In an era of increasing climate crises and biodiversity loss, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes offer Indigenous-led, ecosystem-based restoration.

Transforming Philanthropy Together: Highlights from the 2025 HIP-NAP Joint Conference

Transforming Philanthropy Together: Highlights from the 2025 HIP-NAP Joint Conference

A recap of 2025's HIP-NAP Joint Conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico