Advancement Assistant (Membership)

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history during the creation of two new Smithsonian museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. These museums build on the legacy and impact of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has helped transform the nation’s understanding of American history since its opening in 2016. 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.

About the Membership Assistant

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute seeks a creative and energetic Advancement Associate to join its Membership Team. This position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on expanding the scope and scale of the Membership Program. The Advancement Assistant provides customer service to constituents of the Zoo’s Membership Program by responding to and resolving inquiries; ensuring data integrity within membership databases by updating biographical and demographic information, and correspondence; and working with other personnel to ensure correct gift recordation and acknowledgment. The incumbent assists in the development and implementation of strategies to attract and retain members. The individual writes and edits communication in response to inquiries using appropriate grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. The role reports to the Membership manager.

The successful applicant will have at least one year of experience providing customer service to members/donors via email, phone, and/or direct mail; experience using relational databases or CRM software (e.g., Blackbaud Luminate, Ellucian Advance or Tessitura) to manage information, execute email communications, and generate reports is required. Qualified applicants will successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a demonstrated ability to work independently. The incumbent will be self-motivated and detail-oriented, accurate and professional always; must be precise, diplomatic, dedicated, and mature as well as flexible and able to work well under pressure. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization desired. 

About the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute includes a 163-acre exhibition complex in the District of Columbia, within the US National Park Service's Rock Creek Park, and a 3,200-acre conservation research facility outside Front Royal, Virginia, contiguous with the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. The Institute’s goals include excellence in animal care, research on endangered species, and education and high-quality visitor experience. On-going renovation and upgrade of the facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and state-of-the-art research and education requirements, with over 100 buildings, some over 100 years old, requires a major investment of funds, only some of which is provided by the Federal appropriation to Smithsonian and the Zoo. Support for public programming and research is significantly dependent upon revenue from concessions income, special events, donations, grants, and contracts.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. 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. Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

Benefits and Application Instructions

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 February 13, 2023. 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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s accommodation procedures.