Advancement Specialist (Giving Circles)

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.

Key Responsibilities

The Smithsonian Office of Advancement seeks an experienced and creative candidate to fill an Advancement Specialist position in the Friends of the Smithsonian office. The position will play an important role in supporting multiple functions within a growing, dynamic, and fast-paced organization. The Advancement Specialist will assist with the stewardship of members of the James Smithson Society and Castle Circle.

The incumbent will provide support in the planning and implementation of the Annual Smithsonian Weekend, the largest donor event at the Smithsonian that takes an entire year to plan, coordinate and successfully complete. This includes project management, clear communication, and coordination of all Smithsonian units for the invitation data, attendees and briefings and other administrative support. This event requires weekend and evening work. The incumbent will support other events (8-12 per year) at various Smithsonian venues both locally and out of town, including invitation production and mailing, RSVP management, preparation of name tags, and registration.  Occasional evening work is required.

The incumbent will be responsible for the planning and production of Smithson Society renewal notices as well as the production and mailing of acknowledgement letters to the Smithson Society and Castle Circle.  S/he will respond to member inquiries by phone and email.  The incumbent will also assist in the production of collateral materials and will be involved in outreach to members. The incumbent will provide direct administrative support for the Director of the Smithson Society including but not limited to managing travel, purchases, ad hoc mailings and other projects.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful candidates will be very detail-oriented, demonstrate strong organizational and discretionary communication skills, and have the ability to productively support multiple priorities and needs. Candidates should have experience with donor databases for managing donor records and reporting.  Candidates must have knowledge and demonstrated experience with current office technology including Microsoft Office Suite. A minimum of two years of related work, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application.  Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is 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". Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by 11:59 pm on September 8, 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. Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the point-of-contact listed in the “How To Apply” section above. 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.