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, 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’s National Museum of African American History and Culture seeks a candidate to fill an Advancement Associate position to assist with the management of the Museum’s overall strategy for campaign and general fundraising. Responsibilities include developing constituent engagement strategies that support NMAAHC initiatives and maximize opportunities for donors; supporting administrative functions related to efficient and accurate operation of the unit and fundraising activities; assisting in the development and distribution of stewardship reports for individual donors; and maintaining accurate and complete records of all individual giving activities. Occasional evening work is required.

The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring department resource accounts for donor inquiries; helping to execute events for the cultivation and stewardship of major donors; preparing and assisting with grant agreements, gift agreements, correspondence, and other materials related to individual donors; and assisting in the planning and execution of meetings, programs, and events.

Successful candidates will be very detail-oriented, demonstrate strong organizational and discretionary communication skills, and be able to productively support multiple priorities and needs. Candidates should have at least one year of experience providing technical and administrative support to fundraising staff; using a donor information system to document prospect and donor information and interactions; and performing prospect research. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred.  

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members. The Museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

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 August 3, 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.