Major Gifts Officer [Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC]

Description

The Smithsonian”s Office of Advancement seeks an experienced and creative Major Gifts Officer (MGO) as a member of its regional major gifts team. Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time as the Smithsonian undertakes and completes its first-ever comprehensive campaign. The Smithsonian will invest in the people, places, programs and treasures that will enable the Smithsonian to redefine itself in this generation. The regional major gifts team plays an important role in building philanthropic communities across the country and working collaboratively with our museums and centers to identify new donors across the country.

The Smithsonian is the largest museum complex in the world with 19 museums and centers and research and scholarship that ranges from astrophysics to art history and from conservation biology to civil rights. Successful candidates will be able to articulate an appreciation of, and embrace, the depth and breadth of this research and scholarship as well as James Smithson”s unique vision for an organization to increase and diffuse knowledge.

The Major Gifts Officer will play an important role in developing an engagement strategy for key regional markets, while building and managing a portfolio of regional major gift prospects, expanding the scope and scale of the Smithsonian”s philanthropic efforts, and helping formulate strategy and implementation of plans to achieve fundraising goals.

Requirements

Successful candidates will demonstrate proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals through creative discovery and cultivation of a productive relationship with prospective donors. Strong organizational, relationship and communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential. The Major Gifts Officer will develop and execute strategies for discovery, engagement, present opportunities for giving and negotiation, and complete solicitation efforts.

A minimum of four years of progressive fundraising experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. 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.

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. To learn more about the Smithsonian, please visit www.si.edu. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter to oastaffing@si.edu by December 31, 2015.

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

PI92450697