Associate Director of Advancement

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 has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.  

Smithsonian Gardens, an accredited museum and center for horticulture, education and research is launching a dedicated fundraising office to oversee and guide fundraising efforts that support a vital and vibrant part of the Smithsonian experience. Established in 1972, Smithsonian Gardens extends the Smithsonian Museum experience in a public garden setting, inspiring visitors with exceptional displays and educating them about horticulture, plants, and the natural environment. Welcoming 26 million visitors annually, Smithsonian Gardens is uniquely situated at the intersection of culture, science, art, history, and the environment to engage and inspire Smithsonian’s visitors before they ever-set foot in the door of a traditional museum. Exterior and interior gardens, living and archival collections, exhibitions, and educational programming provide a unique platform for storytelling through the lens of plants and gardens.

Key Responsibilities

Smithsonian Gardens seeks an accomplished candidate with proven fundraising experience to fill the role of Associate Director of Advancement. This position will direct advancement activities, with responsibility for planning and executing major and annual gift fundraising initiatives including individuals, corporations, and foundations. The incumbent will build and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a fundraising program focused on a range of giving, presenting opportunities for giving through solicitation efforts, and crafting and implementing a multi-year fundraising plan. This position will also direct the fundraising strategy for and implementation of the Garden’s campaign priorities, leveraging potential partnerships and collaborations with other Smithsonian entities. The Associate Director of Advancement will oversee the planning and supervision of local and regional fundraising events and manage fundraising communications and marketing efforts, including online engagement.

As a senior manager, the Associate Director of Advancement will work closely with the Smithsonian Gardens Director to set priorities and develop and implement a plan for annual and long-term giving to meet institutional objectives. The incumbent will work closely with finance staff to incorporate revenue projections and contingencies into operating budgets and will oversee the development and management of the annual fundraising budget. The incumbent will serve as Smithsonian Gardens’ senior fundraising authority, counseling Gardens staff on matters relating to private funding, and deciding which funding sources are appropriate for particular projects and programs. The incumbent will regularly brief senior Gardens staff on fundraising plans, priorities, and activities. The incumbent will review staff contacts with outside parties to identify possible cultivation and stewardship opportunities and advise and assist other department staff in donor engagements.

The Associate Director of Advancement will work closely with the Smithsonian Office of Advancement to coordinate with colleagues on matters relating to proposals, gift agreements, budgets, and reportion, and other policy and process areas. This position reports to the Director of Smithsonian Gardens and will supervise a small support team.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful candidates will demonstrate a minimum of five years of productive fundraising experience with increasing levels of responsibility, preferably in a complex cultural, educational, or environmental organization. Proven success in securing significant contributions through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors should be clearly demonstrated. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. The successful candidate will have a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is highly desirable. Travel is required and work during evenings and weekends may be necessary.