Gift Officer

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) seeks a creative and energetic individual with a passion for science to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals for major and leadership gifts.Areas of ResponsibilityCome join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we are in the middle of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run through 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 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) is headquartered in the Republic of Panama, with modern research and laboratory facilities, a library with extensive holdings in the natural and anthropological sciences, and terrestrial and marine field stations throughout the country. STRI has a vibrant and collaborative scientific community of over 35 staff scientists and hosts over 1200 scientific visitors per year, including fellows and interns supported through an intramural program. Staff scientists maintain diverse research programs in the ecology, evolution, physiology, development, and behavior of marine and terrestrial organisms and ecosystems, both ancient and modern, and the role of human interactions in shaping tropical environments. Strong interdisciplinary links between our scientists and the broader Smithsonian community provide excellent opportunities for addressing large-scale long-term research questions that are not possible elsewhere.Skills / ExperienceKey ResponsibilitiesSTRI seeks a creative and energetic individual with a passion for science to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals for major and leadership gifts. Duties include working with a team to expand the Institute’s donor community across the country and internationally; creating and implementing innovative strategies for securing major and leadership gifts; managing a portfolio of 100 prospects and leading strategies for their engagement and solicitation; and preparing proposals and other donor communications. The incumbent is expected to spend time in Panama as well as on travel to other locations associated with advancement and outreach tasks.Skills, Knowledge, and ExpertiseA minimum of four years of progressive major gift fundraising experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; the ability to meet frequent deadlines; and work independently as well as contribute to a broader team are essential to success. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. A science background or Spanish language skills are a plus. 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.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.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins. Relocation expenses are not paid.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.Additional InformationCommitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe 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’sAccommodation 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 .Through our unparalleled collections and research capabilities, and the insight and creativity we foster through art, history, and culture, the Smithsonian strives to provide Americans and the world with the tools and information they need to forge Our Shared Future.ProgramsThe Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum , education , and research complex. We are a community of learning and an opener of doors.Why Work For Us?The Smithsonian is the guardian of some of our nation’s most valuable scientific, historic, and artistic treasures, and is a leader in research, innovation, and discovery. By working here, you would be making an important contribution to an Institution beloved by the American public and visitors from around the world.The Smithsonian workforce includes dedicated men and women located in the Washington, D.C., area; New York City; Cambridge, Mass.; several other U.S. states;and the country of Panama. Positions range from astrophysicist to security officer, from art historian to zebra keeper, and from science educator to software developer. The Smithsonian seeks to attract and maintain a creative workforce that is representative of America’s diversity. We are consistently ranked among mid-size agencies as one of the “Best Places to Work.”#J-18808-Ljbffr