Advancement Assistant

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 Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian seeks an Advancement Assistant to provide administrative and technical support to the Assistant Director of Individual Giving and support work of the individual giving team. The incumbent coordinates mailings, tracks responses, drafts correspondence, compiles data, conducts research, processes financial gifts, prepares staff travel, and provides overall administrative support.  The Advancement Assistant will enter data and run reports in the Pan-Institutional Database for Advancement (Ellucian Advance).

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.

Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian works for equity and social justice for Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration and empowerment. The National Museum of the American Indian is comprised of two premier centers for exhibitions and public programs— a museum in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall, and a second museum in Manhattan in New York City. The museum also has a collections, research and conservation facility, the Cultural Resources Center, which is located in Suitland, Maryland. New exhibitions, a national education initiative, and building a national Native American Veterans memorial are key projects in need of fundraising support.

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. This is a two-year, grant-funded position. If the program and incumbent are successful, the term position may be converted to permanent status. Interested candidates should submit their resumes, a cover letter, and a sample donor acknowledgement letter to oastaffing@si.edu by June 22, 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.