Gift Officer (Assistant Director for Advancement)

Gift Officer (Assistant Director for Advancement) (IS-1001-13)

Application Deadline : 11 March 2025

Department : Smithsonian Science Education Center

Employment Type : Full Time

Location : Washington, DC

Reporting To : Director, Smithsonian Science and Education Center

Compensation : $120,579 - $136,658 / year

Description

OPEN DATE : February 12, 2025

CLOSING DATE : March 11, 2025

POSITION TYPE : Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE : Temporary Not to Exceed One (1) Year

SCHEDULE : Full Time

DUTY LOCATION : Washington, DC

Moderate Risk / Non-Sensitive

Open to all Qualified Applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit / Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit / Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian. In 2024, we launched the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, the largest fundraising campaign in the institution's history. The campaign, which runs through 2026, aims to raise $2.5 billion to support all Smithsonian museums and centers-each with a vision to achieve a better future for all. The Smithsonian is also raising support for a series of signature programs, events and exhibitions to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. 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 Science Education Center (SSEC) is an organization of the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to transforming K-12 Education Through Science™ in collaboration with communities across the globe. To achieve its mission, SSEC has four goals : (1) promote authentic, inquiry-based, integrated K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teaching and learning; (2) ensure diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in K-12 STEM education; (3) advance STEM education for sustainable development (STEM4SD); and (4) translate the research and collections of the Smithsonian into meaningful tools and convenings for K-12 teachers and students. SSEC achieves its goals by : (a) building awareness for science education among school leaders; (b) promoting Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER); (c) supporting the professional growth of K-12 teachers and school leaders; (d) developing exemplary K-12 curriculum materials and digital resources (including the comprehensive research-based science curriculum programs : Smithsonian Science for the Classroom; Science and Technology Concepts for Middle School (STCMS); and Smithsonian Science for Global Goals); and (d) engaging in research. At the heart of SSEC's work is the idea that all youth-regardless of gender, sexual orientation, geography, race, native language, ability, or socio-economic status-should be given the opportunities to learn about the socio-scientific issues that challenge us. The Smithsonian, through the Smithsonian Science Education Center, plays an active role in sparking students' and teachers' interest in STEM to ensure scientific literacy and a sustainable planet.For additional information about SSEC visit https : / / ssec.si.edu / .

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SSEC seeks an experienced individual to serve as Assistant Director for Advancement. The Assistant Director builds and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors, including a significant portfolio of corporate and foundation donors, to execute a program focused on high capacity giving. This work affects the successful achievement of major programs such as the progress of various internal programs, developing and maintaining partnerships, and / or the funding of a substantial number of trust positions affected by these efforts. The incumbent reports to the SSEC Director and is a member of SSEC's leadership team. This is a supervisory position.

The incumbent works closely with SSEC's Director, staff, and Advisory Board members in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing a coordinated advancement program. The incumbent determines the direction and overall tasks of the advancement program for SSEC and works closely with the SSEC Director and other SSEC leaders to build a culture of philanthropy within SSEC, keeping the Director informed of unanticipated issues, organizing development activities and solicitations, and recommending development policies and procedures. Duties and responsibilities of the position include :

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates will demonstrate proven ability to develop and manage a fundraising program in a major cultural, scientific, educational and / or non-profit organization, including the ability to navigate large, complex institutions. Ability to develop goals and plans of accomplishment. Proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals, corporation and foundations through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential.

A minimum of eight years of experience in progressively responsible advancement leadership positions, which includes work in individual giving, institutional giving, stewardship, and Advisory Board management. A passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Bachelor's degree is required; master's degree is highly desired. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. Travel is required and work during the evenings and weekends may be necessary.

Application Instructions Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by March 11, 2025. 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.

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 rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

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.

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.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact OHRTrustBranch@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 : https : / / www.si.edu / oeesd.

Salary : $120,579 - $136,658