Chief Advancement Officer

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum seeks an experienced, dynamic, front-line fundraiser to assume the role of Chief Advancement Officer. Working closely with the Director of External Affairs, the Chief Advancement Officer oversees all fundraising at the Museum, including foundation grants, major gifts, annual fund, and cultivation events. The incumbent manages relationships with current and prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. Regular interaction with donors and prospects is expected, and direct, independent solicitation of gifts from individual and institutional donors is a central aspect of the position. The Chief Advancement Officer develops and manages activity for the portfolio of prospects ranging from major gifts to principal gifts and seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio and increase giving from current donors. The incumbent oversees and fully participates in all Advisory Board activities. The incumbent reports to the Director of External Affairs and supervises one gift officer.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful applicants will have a minimum of five years of successful experience in fundraising with increasing level of responsibility preferably in a museum or community-based non-profit setting. A demonstrated track record of building long-term donor relationships and closing 5-7 figure gifts. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, communication, project management, and supervisory skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. 

A demonstrated understanding of and dedication to the mission of the Anacostia Community Museum should be included with the application. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is highly desirable. Travel is required and work during the evening and weekends may be necessary.

 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.

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 October 11, 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. 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