Advancement Specialist

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we develop and implement strategic initiatives designated by the Smithsonian’s Secretary. The initiatives include Reckoning with Our Racial Past (RWORP), the Rural Initiative, and others.  Local and national programs are being planned in support of these initiatives through 2026.Our goal is to expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to help find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also developing two 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 while working with designated units across the campus. 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 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 Advancement Specialist works in the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Institution and works directly with the Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives in support of  institutional priorities. The incumbent will partner with the Office of Advancement’s Volunteer Engagement, Events, and the Programming team to ensure that donors and volunteer leaders experience high-quality events that foster long-term engagement and investment. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the planning and execution of events, regional programs, and a variety of cultivation and stewardship efforts in support of the RWORP, Rural Initiative and other strategic programs as designated. Responsibilities include event vendor management, administration, donor communications, content development, web and digital engagement support and data tracking as it relates to events and budgets. The Specialist will also work with staff and donors from across the Smithsonian to develop programming that ensures units are represented throughout the RWORP events.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Applicants should have a minimum of three years of donor relations and four years of events experience, preferably in a non-profit organization, museum, or cultural institution. Successful applicants will demonstrate superior communication skills, both oral and written, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, experience with procurement administration, experience with program development, 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. Local and national travel required approximately 30% of the time, as well as evening and weekend work 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.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by May 24, 2024. Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. Relocation expenses are not paid. This position is a temporary position funded through September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@si.edu.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema