Individual Major Gifts Officer

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. With our 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 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. Following the success of the Smithsonian’s first comprehensive capital campaign, the largest ever undertaken by a cultural organization, the Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization. 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.

This position is located at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Committed to preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting exemplary works of art, the Freer and Sackler house exceptional collections of Asian art, with more than 42,000 objects dating from the Neolithic period to today. Renowned and iconic objects originate from China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, the ancient Near East, and the Islamic world. The Freer Gallery also holds a significant group of American works of art largely dating to the late nineteenth century. It boasts the world’s largest collection of diverse works by James McNeill Whistler, including the famed Peacock Room.

Unified administratively and joined physically, the Freer and Sackler are dedicated to increasing our understanding of the arts of Asia through a broad portfolio of exhibitions, publications, conservation, research, and education. The museum is free and open to the public 364 days a year.

The museum is seeking an Individual Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to help grow the museum’s individual giving program. The incumbent is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting a portfolio of individual major donors with the capacity to support the mission of National Museum of Asian Art through contributions of $25,000 or more, including planned gifts. Working with colleagues across the museum, the Individual Major Gifts Officer will develop and implement strategies for solicitations and follow established procedures for tracking, qualifying, and managing prospects. The effective Individual Major Gifts Officer will have a proven track record of securing philanthropic gifts, establishing, and meeting deadlines, and will work to support the overall success of the museum’s fundraising efforts.

This is an exciting time to join the Freer and Sackler. In the lead up to the centennial of the Freer Gallery of Art in 2023, the museum is in the second year of implementing its strategic plan and its ambitious goals for the coming years. The Advancement department has been strategically restructured over the last year, with a highly motivated and capable team now in place to expand and diversify the museum’s base of support.

This position reports to the Director of Individual Giving. The position is located in the Freer and Sackler administrative offices, with the option for partial remote work or telework.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in individual fundraising
• A track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in five/six-figure ranges
• A track record of solid financial and operations skills
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Willingness to travel

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine 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. 

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by October 25, 2021. 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.

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