Assistant Director of Advancement (Individual Giving)

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 250^th 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 National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans.

Duties

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) seeks an experienced individual to serve the Program Director for Individual Giving who will supervise staff in order to plan, direct, and coordinate fund raising strategies and activities for NMAAHC’s individual giving program. This program has a particular focus on high net-worth individuals and includes prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to ensure the individual giving team meets overall campaign, annual and long-term revenue goals. The incumbent will maintain a portfolio of high-net-worth prospects, solicit gifts of $500K and up and prepare gift agreements, briefing packages, supportive materials, reports, and plans to the Museum’s leadership team.

The incumbent will cultivate productive relationships, develop, and execute strategies for engagement, present opportunities for giving, and complete the solicitation efforts with donors. This includes all aspects of planning, development, and execution of programs and projects to meet annual fundraising goals.

Qualifications

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 related to individual giving. Proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals 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 and stewardship is required. 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 education or a large cultural organization is preferred. 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.

Benefits and Application Instructions

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery". The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by February 16, 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.

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.