Special Events Assistant [Freer and Sackler Galleries, Washington, DC]

Description

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history, as the Institution expands the programming, educational, and scholarly activity of its museums and research centers, and continues on its $1.5 billion Institution-wide fundraising campaign. The Smithsonian is building a model fundraising organization, one that will meet the growing needs of this unique organization and offer excellent professional opportunities. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.

The Freer|Sackler seeks a skilled self-starter interested in Special Events and the cultivation of donors to join its team of dedicated staff. We are seeking a Special Events Assistant to promote and manage co-sponsored events at the Freer|Sackler in addition to providing logistical support to the Special Events Manager and the Individual Major Gifts Officer for all Development Department related events.

The Special Events Assistant conducts all administrative duties for the Freer|Sackler space rental program including spaces in the Freer Gallery of Art, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Meyer Auditorium. These duties include responding to event inquiries, tracking contracts and reporting on revenue and expenses for these events. The incumbent manages the sponsor pledge procedures, the collection of donations,and the preparation of tax and thank you letters. The incumbent will also implement an space rental marketing campaign to meet the annual budget and increase revenue. Successful candidates will interact diplomatically, discreetly and effectively with a wide range of constituents, both externally and internally, including Smithsonian Institution personnel, vendors and donors.

The Special Events Assistant will assist with the coordination and execution of internal events including Friends of the Freer|Sackler receptions, cultivation events and galas including after party and weekend activities. The incumbent will also provide administrative support for the Development Office as needed.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and:

• Experience working or assisting with special events or other positions that requires independent, high-level organization and support functions
• Proven ability to handle multiple responsibilities and projects simultaneously, often on short deadlines
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Excellent command of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, Patron Manager, PANDA or other fundraising systems preferred

The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery are respectively the oldest and the youngest art museums at the Smithsonian Institution. The Galleries hold the nation’s extraordinary collections of Asian art and of American art of the late nineteenth century aesthetic movement. The mission of the Galleries is to encourage enjoyment and understanding of the arts of Asia through exhibitions and original research and the preservation of the cultural heritage of Asia. To learn more about the museum, please visit www.asia.si.edu.

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. This is not a Federal Position, but has similar requirements and benefits. The position is an IS Grade 7 position, with a starting salary of $43,684. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter, including title of the position for which they are applying, to asiaexaffstaff@si.edu by June 10, 2016.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

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