Advancement Assistant

Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and the institution’s leadership are launching a campaign to support this vision. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. The campaign will provide a foundation for critical research to ensure people and nature thrive together, build unparalleled education programs with families and partners, collect the world’s most precious objects, document the present while reflecting on the past, and reimagine the visitor experience both in-person and online. We are bringing the Smithsonian off the National Mall and across the country through dynamic programming and affiliate partnerships, creating access for all. The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum. These museums will share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be American.

The National Museum of African Art has one of the most significant collections of African art in the world. It is renowned for exhibitions and programs that challenge assumptions about the continent and its diaspora- bringing together historical and contemporary art, north and south, east, and west, in an ongoing conversation about who we are and where we’re going.

Key Responsibilities

The National Museum of African Art seeks a candidate to fill an Advancement Assistant position. The Advancement Assistant will provide technical and administrative support to the advancement program. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing donor materials; processing gifts and acknowledgement letters; administering various databases; assisting in the preparation and submission of proposals; planning and conducting donor and visitor tours and other special events; coordinating activities of advisory board and volunteer committees; and maintaining files, budgets, and correspondence. The Advancement Assistant reports to the Associate Director for Advancement.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines independently, superior organization skills, and a thirst for learning. Attention to detail and an intuitive administrative aptitude are essential. Previous experience working in an advancement database such as Salesforce or Ellucian Advance is preferred. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization ideal.

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 August 20, 2024. 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. This position is a temporary position funded for two-years. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.

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. Relocation expenses are not paid.

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.