Gift Officer and Smithsonian National Astronomy Circle Program Director

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we are in the middle of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run through 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 Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

Key Responsibilities

The Gift Officer and Smithsonian National Astronomy Circle (SNAC) Program Director builds and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a program focused on high capacity giving. The Senior Gift Officer’s work affects the successful achievement of major programs such as the unit’s fundraising goal, the progress of various internal programs, and/ or the funding of a substantial number of Trust positions affected by their continued efforts. The position is in the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).

Program Management

• Cultivates and manages relationships with current and prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. This includes all aspects of plan development and execution of programs and projects, in collaboration with other staff and volunteers as appropriate, to meet the fundraising goals and performance metrics established by the unit. Ensures adherence to policies, guidelines, and regulations. Evaluate and address challenges encountered with projects and plans and determine the engagement of appropriate staff and supervisors as part of the resolution.
  • Plans events, site tours, and donor visits, whether at an SAO facility or regional locations or by video conference. Prepares scientists and SAO Leadership for events, donor visits with briefings. Organizes Board and SNAC member participation in events, tours, and visits. If Board or SNAC members are serving as volunteers to engage others, prepares briefings for them. Engages staff, volunteers and leadership in cultivating and soliciting donors in addition to soliciting gifts personally.
  • Prepares introductory emails, solicitation letters, project concept papers, proposals, acknowledgment letters, stewardship reports, event invitations, newsletter articles, gift announcements, and other correspondence and develops cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials, often in collaboration with graphic designers and grant writing consultants. Determine strategies based on donor interests and unit/ Smithsonian objectives.

Prospect Management

• • Develops and manages prospect activity for the portfolio of prospects ranging from major gifts to leadership or principal giving. Seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio and increase giving from current donors.
  • Develop individual strategies and execute activities to increase giving and expand portfolio. Executes prospect management practices in accordance with established guidelines and seeks to maximize opportunities for prospects and donors.
  • Ensures activity and information is recorded accurately and timely to identify and engage the appropriate stakeholders. The incumbent works collaboratively with and in support of the Advancement staff and other Gift Officers as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. Travel may be required on the weekends.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience in similar positions at or above the grade 12 level. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of the 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• • Strong oral presentation skills to engage and inform donors and donor prospects and negotiate significant gifts on behalf of the Smithsonian or unit.
  • Skill in developing written materials designed to recognize and encourage the organization's donors where their funding has benefited the unit programs.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various individual or institutional donors of diverse backgrounds and interests.
  • Skill in analyzing individuals and institutions to develop prospect portfolios and prospect donors in achieving fundraising goals.
  • Knowledge of fundraising and marketing methods, techniques and practices and the creativity and ingenuity to develop new concepts and approaches.
  • Ability to apply strategic planning techniques in a dynamic environment.

Strong social and interpersonal skills and knowledge of protocol.