Gift Officer (Principal and Planned Gifts)

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history during 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 Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting the success of the Smithsonian’s second comprehensive capital campaign and the goals of the Office of Principal and Planned Giving, the Gift Officer is responsible for coordinating planned and principal gift fundraising for the central Office of Advancement and for the Smithsonian’s museums, research and education centers. The Smithsonian seeks experienced and creative candidates who will identify, manage, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of highly qualified planned and principal gift donors and prospects. The incumbent will close a range of outright, blended, and deferred gifts including Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts and gifts real estate and other complex assets. The Gift Officer will assist advancement staff at museums, research, and education centers with assessments of their current planned and principal gift efforts and will work closely with them to establish a targeted gift strategy for significant blended gifts to the Institution including endowments for positions and spaces.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful applicants will demonstrate passion for the Smithsonian and an ability to cultivate new relationships for the Institution with people across the country. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. A minimum of four years’ experience within an advancement team, 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. Travel is required and work during the evenings 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.