Donor Relations Specialist

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 Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (CFCH) is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian Institution that produces the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, exhibitions, documentary films and videos, symposia, publications, and educational materials. Through the power of culture, we increase understanding, strengthen communities, and reinforce our shared humanity. We are committed to sustaining cultural diversity across the United States and around the world through research, education, and community engagement. CFCH will be leading the Smithsonian’s signature 250th program, The Festival of Festivals, a month-long extended celebration of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, in the summer of 2026.

Key Responsibilities

The Donor Relations Specialist works in the Smithsonian’s CFCH and ensures that prospects and donors experience high-quality interactions with the Center to foster long-term engagement and investment. The incumbent develops methods and strategies for specific aspects of the donor relations program. This includes donor recognition through correspondence materials, events, programs, and opportunities that range from large-scale events where the objective is to reinforce connection, to intimate gatherings that deepen engagement and build long-lasting relationships with the Smithsonian. The Specialist will assist with gift processing and documentation, as well as serve as a key team member in building out our successful Friends of Folkways membership program. As an integral team member, the Specialist assists the Associate Director for Advancement in developing and implementing stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation plans and works to identify and recruit new donors.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will demonstrate superior communication skills, both oral and written, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and the initiative and ability to work independently. Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and being able to manage multiple projects at once is a must. Applicants should have a minimum of four years of donor relations, events, or fundraising experience, preferably in a non-profit organization, museum, or cultural institution. Work on evenings and weekends required as needed.

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.