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, libraries and archives 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 Smithsonian Libraries and Archives has an opening for an experienced and dynamic Associate Director of Advancement responsible for developing and managing the fundraising program and generating private support for the acquisition of library materials, conservation, digitization, fellowships, exhibitions, and educational programs. The Associate Director of Advancement supervises a team of Advancement members that assist with programs and manage special events, annual giving, and public affairs. The Associate Director of Advancement engages with staff and Advisory Board, pulling in and developing the SI wide and SLA strategic goals and visions into actionable fund raising goals and programs. 

The Associate Director of Advancement oversees the advancement program strategies for the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives with responsibility for planning, generating, and executing fund-raising initiatives with an emphasis on major gifts. She/he/they manages a portfolio of prospects including qualification of new prospects, and the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors through in person visits and communications. The Associate Director oversees the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Advisory Board activities. The incumbent strengthens relationships and develops opportunities with Board members, donors, and supporters with all levels and members of the SLA staff to further goals and vision. The incumbent develops written annual work plans, visit and solicitation goals in conjunction with the Unit’s Director, and prepares reports on activities. The Associate Director collaborates with libraries and archives staff, various museum staff and other Smithsonian units on programs and solicitations.

The successful candidate will have at least five years of successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a major, arts-related institution, non-profit organization, or educational institution. Application materials should show experience in building long-term donor relationships and closing 5-7 figure gifts.  Hands-on board management experience with a proven history of fundraising success, including cultivation through solicitation and stewardship as well as experience working with planned giving, grant writing, and annual fund strategies should be demonstrated in application. Candidates must have superior oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Application materials should show experience building an advancement program for a cultural organization.  A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives is an international system of 21 branches and Institutional archives. Our mission is to serve researchers, curators, educators, and learners of all ages at the Smithsonian and around the world. Our collections include over three million library volumes in subjects ranging from art to zoology. Consisting of more than forty-four thousand cubic feet, our archival records chronicle the growth and development of the Smithsonian throughout its history.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers.  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. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by May 25, 2022. 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 ensures its employees (federal and trust), applicants, and affiliated persons (interns, research associates, fellows, and volunteers) are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, or political affiliation and are free from reprisal against protected activities. In addition, other Smithsonian policy prohibits discrimination based on membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors, and political affiliation.”

The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.