Associate Director for Advancement, Archives of American Art [Smithsonian Institution]

Apply by November 21, 2014.

The Archives of American Art (AAA), a unit of the Smithsonian Institution with headquarters in Washington, D.C. and a regional office in New York, NY, is the nation’s largest repository of primary sources documenting visual arts and culture in the United States. AAA’s mission is to collect, preserve, and make available for study records, original papers, photographs, diaries, sketchbooks, and oral history interviews. On the subject of art in America, AAA is the largest archives in the world, holding more than 20 million documents.

Now is an exceptional time in the history of the AAA and the Smithsonian as the Institution implements a new comprehensive strategic plan, expands the programming, educational, and scholarly activity of its museums and research centers, and undertakes its very first Institution-wide fundraising campaign to raise $1.5 billion. As part of this campaign, the Archives will raise at least $18 million (with $15 million already committed).

The Associate Director reports to the Director of the Archives of American Art and carries the working title of Associate Director for Advancement.  The incumbent will be the chief fundraising officer reporting to the Director, and will be responsible for the overall direction of fundraising, public relations, and special event activity in support of the Archives’ mission. The Associate Director will work closely with Archives staff, board members, and the Smithsonian’s central advancement office to develop and implement strategies that align fundraising efforts with the achievement of goals.

The Associate Director will supervise two advancement associates who are based in the Archives’ Washington, DC headquarters. The advancement team will create and implement annual plans and long-term strategies to identify and engage donors and secure private philanthropic support, including formation and implementation of strategies for foundation giving, major individual giving, annual fund, a high-level membership group (and a series of events offered as a benefit to this group), a national patrons travel program, and our annual gala. This position also works closely with the Archives’ Board of Trustees.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the direct solicitation of a portfolio of donors. Incumbent will also work closely with the AAA Director and the Smithsonian’s Central Advancement Office to develop and implement a successful strategy to reach capital campaign goals.

The Associate Director for Advancement will be based in the Archives’ New York office. Frequent travel to the Archives’ Washington, D.C. office will be required. The successful applicant will have proven experience in developing and managing integrated advancement programs and demonstrated success in combining fundraising with public relations and special events programming.  Capital campaign experience and knowledge of the American art world are desired.  Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.

Please send cover letter and resume to the Archives of American Art’s search consultant, Donna Bonem Rich, CFRE at execsearch@richassociates.com by November 21, 2014. To learn more about the Archives of American Art, visit its website at www.aaa.si.edu.

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.