Advancement Associate (Writer)

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.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is in the middle of a $285M campaign that is transforming the Museum on the National Mall and is expanding upon its model fundraising organization, one that will meet the growing needs of one of the world’s most visited museums.  The Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics. To learn more about the Museum, please visit https://airandspace.si.edu/.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Advancement Associate works in the Advancement Office at the National Air and Space Museum and assists with high levels of support functions associated with donor solicitation, stewardship, communications, special projects, and events. The Associate prepares, writes, and delivers major donor correspondence from the Museum Director, including but not limited to gift acknowledgements, condolence letters, and event follow up. This position, under the direction of the Assistant Director of Donor Stewardship and Communications and with the guidance of the Stewardship Manager, supports the creation of impact reports, proposals, and other materials for individual, corporate, and foundation donors, collaborating with curators, educators, and program managers as needed. The Advancement Associate assists the Donor Stewardship and Communications team with special projects and initiatives throughout the year.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

The successful candidate should have at least two years of experience in donor relations, communications, and/or stewardship. Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills are required. Additional experience in graphic design is preferred. Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a thirst for learning. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization and/or advancement department preferred.

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Benefits and Application Instructions

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery".  The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Relocation expenses are not paid.
Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by 11:59 pm on September 29, 2023. 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.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@si.edu.  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.

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: www.si.edu/oeema.