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Associate Director for Advancement

Employer
Smithsonian Institution, Conservation Commons
Location
District of Columbia, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Closing date
Feb 11, 2021

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Position Type
Fundraising, Major Gifts
Fields
Museum
Employment Type
Full Time

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our new Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was previously the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, we are positioned to realize our goal of being a truly 21st century museum complex.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education and research complex, comprised of 19 museums and galleries, nine research centers, 21 libraries, the National Zoological Park and more than 200 affiliate museum partners. The Smithsonian is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” and as such we use our resources to encourage curiosity, ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning.

The Smithsonian seeks to amplify the science and research happening across the Institution for the benefit of our shared global community. Working with all of the museums and research units that comprise the breath and knowledge of the Smithsonian, our goal is to build a robust external engagement strategy to attract new and diverse donors, partners and sponsors through the Smithsonian's signature “Conservation Commons.” This includes opportunities to expand partnerships with federal agencies, NGOs, and funding collaboratives where we can leverage branding, reach and expertise to achieve outsized results – increasing knowledge and awareness of the Smithsonian's role as a global convener and leader in science and conservation.

To lead fundraising for the Conservation Commons, the Smithsonian's Office of Advancement and Office of International Relations seeks an experienced and creative Associate Director of Advancement to join its team. This newly focused position will support unit level and institution-wide goals for Science and Conservation. The Associate Director will serve as the key partner with unit advancement leads to align unit fundraising priorities with the priority projects defined through the Conservation Commons action areas, including “Movement of Life,” “Working Land and Seascapes” and the Earth Optimism Summit. The position will report directly to the Director of Conservation Commons, with a dotted line to the Director of Principal Gifts. This is a 24-month grant-funded term position.

Working with both Directors, the Associate Director will lead the development of an “umbrella” case for support. The case will articulate broad goals and priorities that encompass both central and unit programs with the goal of activating donors across the Smithsonian with integrated and visionary gift propositions. The Associate Director will play a critical role in furthering an engagement strategy in key regional markets, developing and managing a portfolio of regional major gift prospects and helping formulate strategy and implement plans to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

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 six 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.

The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of pan-institutional initiatives, including the American Women's History Initiative and Race, Community and Our Shared Future Initiative, the Office of Advancement provides support to advancement offices across the Institution. The Principal Gifts team collaborates with staff throughout the Smithsonian to help them to accomplish their goals.

The Smithsonian offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about us, visit conservationcommons.si.edu and www.si.edu. This is not a Federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letter to conservationcommons@si.edu with Associate Director of Advancement/Conservation Commons in the subject line by February 8, 2021. Resumes must 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.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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