Apply by December 5, 2014

The StarSpangled Banner, Abraham Lincolns pocket watch, Ben Franklins suit, the Ruby Slippersthese are just a few of the three million objects collected and caredfor by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). Through incomparable collections, rigorous research, and dynamic public outreach, NMAH explores the infinite richness and complexity of our nation’s history.

 

NMAH has an opening for an experienced and dynamic Director of Individual Giving to lead the Museum’s efforts in building the base of individual support for exhibitions, collections, educational and outreach activities,and endowment needs. The Director of Individual Giving will focus efforts on discovery, qualification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects with a giving capacity of $100,000 and higher. He/she will supervise up to two major gift officers and an advancement associate. Managing a portfolio of 125 prospects, the MGO will secure 67 figure gifts that contribute toward the Museum’s $120 million campaign goal. This frontline fundraising position reports to the Associate Director for External Affairs.

 

Duties:

 

  • Manage a portfolio of at least 125 prospects rated at $100,000 and higher
  • Develop and implement strategies to solicit 67 figure gifts
  • Close 1520 gifts per year toward an annual, individual dollar goal
  • Supervise two major gift officers and an advancement associate
  • Oversee the management of the Museum’s highend membership programthe Smithsonian Council for American Historyfor annual donors of $1,000 -$25,000
  • Oversee the development of online fundraising for the Museum
  • Manage the Museum’s planned giving programthe Star-Spangled Banner Society
  • Create written materials to support fundraising, including proposals, visit reports, letters, and stewardship materials
  • Design and execute visits and events for cultivation,s olicitation and stewardship of major donors
  • Travel independently and with Museum leadership as required
  • Staff Museum executives and volunteer leadership by writing briefings, talking points, and followup letters
  • Maintain a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the Smithsonian’s infrastructure, policies and procedures

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree is required; Masters degree is highly desired
  • Five or more years of successful experience in major gift fundraising in a complex organization, preferably a museum or cultural institution
  • A track record of building long-term donor relationships and closing 6 & 7 figure gifts
  • Successful experience inidentifying prospects and making cold call
  • Superior communication skills,both oral andwritten, as well as excellent interpersonal skills
  • Understanding of and dedication to the mission of the National Museum of American History
  • Willingness to travel nationally, approximately 46 days per month, and to work evenings and weekends as needed

 

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions, programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.

 

The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. To learn more about the Smithsonian, please visit www.si.edu.

 

Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by December 5, 2014 to oastaffing@si.edu.   Please include the position title in your e-mail subject line.

 

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

 

APPLY FOR THIS JOB

 

Email Address: oastaffing@si.edu
Apply URL: http://www.si.edu/giving/careers