Associate Director of Advancement

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.

The Office of the Under Secretary of Education (OUSE) seeks an experienced individual to serve as Associate Director of Advancement. The incumbent will execute a fundraising program focused on high capacity giving to support the OUSE and pan-institutional educational programming and outreach. The incumbent will build and manage a new portfolio of prospective donors, including individual, corporate, and foundation donors. To achieve this objective the incumbent will cultivate productive relationships, develop, and execute strategies for engagement, present opportunities for giving, and complete the solicitation efforts with donors. This includes all aspects of planning, development, and execution of programs and projects to meet the annual fundraising goals and performance metrics established by OUSE and the Office of Advancement (OA).

This position is housed in OUSE and the incumbent is part of the Under Secretary’s leadership team. The incumbent reports to both the Under Secretary for Education and the Director of Institutional Advancement in OA. Both offices are central units and provide support across the institution to achieve identified strategic priorities. This work affects the successful achievement of major programs and will determine the progress of various internal strategic initiatives. The incumbent works closely with the Under Secretary for Education and the Director of Institutional Advancement in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing a coordinated advancement program. The incumbent determines the direction and overall tasks of the advancement program for OUSE and works closely with the OUSE staff to build a culture of philanthropy.

Successful candidates will demonstrate proven ability to develop and manage a fundraising program in a major cultural, scientific, educational and/or non-profit organization, including the ability to navigate large, complex institutions. Ability to develop goals and plans of accomplishment. 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 eight years of experience in progressively responsible advancement leadership positions, which includes work in individual giving, institutional giving, and stewardship. A passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is highly desired. Experience in education or a large cultural organization is preferred. Travel is required and work during the evenings and weekends may be necessary.

The Office of the Under Secretary for Education is charged with developing a comprehensive strategy for the Institution’s educational mission that builds external partnership and solidifies and extends the Smithsonian’s position as one of the world’s leading education providers. SI educators enlighten, inspire, and engage people of all ages with programs characterized by excellence, breadth, and diversity. Through our 23 museums, outreach programs, libraries, 14 research centers, national zoo, web sites, magazines and TV channel, the Smithsonian provides a multitude of formal and informal educational experiences that reach learners of all ages. Each Smithsonian unit has its own education program and to reach our goals the Smithsonian family will need support to engage in more pan-institutional collaborations across units to ensure greater reach, relevance, and profound impact.

The Smithsonian offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about us visit 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 oastaffing@si.edu by November 21, 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.