Associate Director of Advancement Services, Gift Registrar

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. 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 Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Advancement seeks an experienced candidate to fill the role of Associate Director of Advancement Services. The Associate Director serves as the Smithsonian’s Gift Registrar and directs the office that oversees gift processing for the entire Institution. This department ensures all gifts received by the Institution are accurately documented, recorded and allocated in the official Smithsonian donor management system. S/he guides and advises on policy associated with gift accounting and processing. The incumbent has a high level of interface with unit management and staff including advancement staff, administrative officers, and Office of Finance and Accounting staff regarding gift designations, policy implementation, application of accounting principles, and adherence to Smithsonian regulations, IRS code, CASE and NACUBO guidelines. This position supervises three staff members.

A minimum of four years of experience managing a gift registration operation, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. Successful candidates will have expert knowledge of IRS, CASE and NACUBO standards as these relate to gift recording. Knowledge of and experience in financial operations and procedures is necessary. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree is required.

The Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central advancement organization for the Institution.  In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution.  The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 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 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 December 1, 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.