Advancement Associate

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 Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)—the oldest and largest of Smithsonian art museums—seeks a creative and detail-oriented individual to join a collegial and successful advancement team that is responsible for raising support from individuals, foundations, and corporations and generating revenue through special event rentals. The Advancement Associate coordinates mailings, tracks responses, drafts correspondence, compiles data, conducts research, processes financial gifts, prepares staff travel, arranges meetings, coordinates purchase documents, and provides overall administrative support.  The incumbent enters data and runs reports in the Pan-Institutional Database for Advancement (Ellucian Advance). This position offers exciting opportunities for the candidate to make a significant impact on the future of SAAM and the Renwick Gallery, its satellite museum dedicated to craft.

Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong attention to detail, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a thirst for learning. Exceptional written communication skills and an intuitive administrative aptitude are essential. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization preferred. Previous experience in advancement or fundraising as well as a customer relationship management database is a plus.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum, the nation’s first collection of American art, is an unparalleled record of the American experience. The collection of 48,000 artworks captures the aspirations, character, and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. SAAM is dedicated to collecting, understanding, and enjoying American art. The Museum celebrates the extraordinary creativity of artists whose works reflect the American experience and global connections.

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. There may be multiple vacancies filled through this announcement. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes, a cover letter, and a three professional references to oastaffing@si.edu by July 6, 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.