Gift Officer

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also planning two exciting new 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. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. 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 Gift Officer

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum seeks an experienced, dynamic, front-line fundraiser to assume the role of Gift Officer. Duties include expanding the Museum’s donor community across the country; creating and implementing innovative strategies for securing major gifts; managing a portfolio of 125 prospects; organizing cultivation events; and preparing proposals and other donor communications. 

The successful applicant will have a minimum of three years of fundraising experience. They must also possess strong leadership and communications skills, and a track record in building philanthropic relationships with corporate prospects and donors to achieve aggressive fundraising goals. Progressive fundraising experience, experience with diverse constituents, a drive to succeed, grant proposal writing, and ability to close major gifts should be demonstrated in your application. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and the initiative and ability to work independently, and a mature and professional demeanor. Experience with complex higher education or a large cultural organization is preferred. The position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the Director of Advancement. Travel of up to 20% of the time is required.

About the Anacostia Community Museum and Smithsonian Institution

The Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) was established by the Smithsonian Institution in September 1967 as the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum in Southeast Washington, D.C.  Its vision is to challenge perceptions, generate new knowledge, and deepen understanding about the ever-changing concepts and realities of communities. The Museum’s mission explores social issues impacting diverse populations in the DC Metropolitan area to promote mutual understanding and strengthen community bonds through the development of collections, exhibitions, research, education and public programs. ACM collects artifacts, works of art, photographs, documents and paper records, and audiovisual media.

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 22 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and eight research centers.  The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” 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 Information 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. This position is a temporary position funded through September 2027. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by May 31, 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); average number of hours worked per week; and salary requirements.

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 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.