Director of Advancement Operations and Engagement

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.

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute includes a 163-acre exhibition complex in the District of Columbia, within the US National Park Service's Rock Creek Park, and a 3,200-acre conservation research facility outside Front Royal, Virginia, contiguous with the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. The Institute’s goals include excellence in animal care, research on endangered species, and education and high-quality visitor experience. On-going renovation and upgrade of the facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and state-of-the-art research and education requirements, with over 100 buildings, some over 100 years old, requires a major investment of funds, only some of which is provided by the Federal appropriation to Smithsonian and the Zoo. Support for public programming and research is significantly dependent upon revenue from concessions income, special events, donations, grants, and contracts.

Key Responsibilities

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is seeking a Director of Advancement Operations and Engagement to provide high-level support to all front-line fundraisers on the NZCBI Advancement Team and manage all internal operations of the Advancement Team. The Director oversees and provides a variety of advancement, budget, procurement, and human resources services. The position is responsible for the management of budget planning and execution, human resources administration, data management, prospect management, gift processing, membership, events, and general department operations. The Director supervises five advancement team members and leads of team of ten staff. The Advancement Office is in the heart of the Zoo, providing an opportunity to work collaboratively with animal keepers, scientists and conservationists who are world leaders in their respective fields. The position reports to the Director of Advancement.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful applicants will have:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an advancement office, including a familiarity with prospect management, moves management, and capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing a multi-year departmental budget, including addressing fluctuating needs throughout the fiscal year.
• Demonstrated experience in understanding and adhering to complex procurement procedures including contract and vendor management.
• Experience in managing diverse fundraising revenue streams from receipt of gift to disbursement for programmatic work ensuring compliance with all accounting procedures.
• Experience in human resources functions including hiring, performance evaluations, and other policies and procedures involved in organizational personnel actions.
• Demonstrated experience in providing and overseeing advancement services. Experience in a large organization with multiple levels of approval preferred.
• Extremely high attention to detail and ability to solve problems.
• Preference for experience with managing membership programs and public-facing events.
• Skill in written and oral communications.

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.