Advancement Associate, Principal and Planned Giving

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 Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central advancement 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

The Smithsonian’s Office of Advancement seeks an enthusiastic and detailed-focused Advancement Associate to provide support to the Principal and Planned Giving team. The incumbent provides technical and administrative support and will assist with a full range of advancement functions including drafting documents and presentations, conducting donor research, implementing various appeal campaigns, assisting with donor events and board meetings, organizing travel, and other related administrative tasks. The position will support both the Principal Gifts and Planned Gifts departments.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, the ability to work efficiently and thoughtfully with numerous stakeholders, exceptional discretion and organization, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, resourcefulness, and a thirst for learning. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization and/or experience working with high-level donors or executives is preferred.

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.