Director of Principal Giving, Office of Advancement [Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC]

Description

Smithsonian Overview

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest and most respected provider of museum experiences, supported by authoritative scholarship that connects Americans to their cultural heritage, and also acts as an international leader in scientific research and exploration. The Smithsonian’s curators support some of the world’s largest collections of art, natural specimens, and items of preeminent historical and cultural significance. Its scientists are among the leaders in their fields internationally, many focused on pressing issues such as biodiversity and endangered species. Founded in 1846 by a generous bequest from English scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian now has 19 museums and galleries; 20 libraries; the National Zoological Park; and nine research centers located in seven states, the Republic of Panama, and Belize. Each year, its museums and the National Zoo receive more than 28 million visits by people from around the world and nearly 190 million virtual visitors access the Smithsonian’s website. The reach of everything the Smithsonian does is expanded exponentially by educational and outreach programs. As an international institution, the Smithsonian offers the world a picture of America and America a picture of the world.

The Smithsonian’s first Institution-wide campaign was publicly launched during October 2014 with a $1.5 billion goal and had raised $1.37 billion (92 percent) as of March 31, 2016. The Smithsonian Campaign has propelled the advancement program forward, expanding central and unit-based development staff, deepening collaboration across units, and honing the sophistication of its processes and operations. The campaign is the largest ever for a cultural institution.

Position Summary

The Institution’s preeminence, prominent brand, and ascendant advancement program are linking it to a significant and increasing number of prospective donors capable of principal gifts of $5 million or greater. The Institution seeks to grow the number of principal gifts secured annually and to increase the number of principal gifts at the level of eight-figures and above, which will require improved long-term strategies, multiple touch points for cultivation that leverage the Institution’s robust network, and expansion of museums and centers’ visioning and capacity for principal giving. The Office of Advancement has created the position of Director of Principal Giving (Director) to provide additional ballast and leadership over principal giving activity.

The Director will closely collaborate with the Assistant Secretary for Advancement, the Office of the Secretary, museum and center Directors and Directors of Advancement, and the Director of Strategic Projects and Pan-Institutional Initiatives, as well as with the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Access, to devise and execute strategies for optimal cultivation and solicitation of principal gifts from individual and institutional sources. The Director will lead the development of prospect strategies that maximize overall Institutional impact, taking into account campaign and other strategic Institutional priorities, pan-Institutional initiatives, and museum and center needs, and structuring solicitations or a series of solicitations accordingly. S/he will advise and support unit-based leaders in building their principal giving capabilities and in identifying projects for principal giving, challenging them to think ambitiously and aspirationally. The Director will also collaborate with other colleagues within the Office of Advancement, including the Director of Institutional Relations and the Director of Individual Giving, to identify additional principal giving prospects, develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies, and create stewardship plans.

The Director will balance strategic coordination and management with her/his own frontline fundraising activity to secure maximum philanthropic support. The Director will staff the highest levels of Smithsonian leadership, including the Assistant Secretary for Advancement, the Secretary, the Provost, the Assistant Secretary for Education and Access, and volunteer leaders, in managing and soliciting their respective principal giving prospect portfolios. The Director’s role regarding these activities may vary in order to fully leverage any existing relationships between prospective donors and central or unit-based leaders at the Smithsonian. The Director will also develop her/his own principal giving prospect portfolio over time and personally engage those prospects. S/he will be a critical figure in securing the highest levels of donor support for the historic Smithsonian Campaign, currently in its public phase, as well as for future campaigns undertaken by the Institution.

Reporting to the Assistant Secretary for Advancement, the Director will manage the Assistant Director of Principal Giving, as well as an administrative assistant that dually reports to the Assistant Secretary for Advancement.

Required qualifications and experience: bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred; minimum of 10 years of experience in progressively responsible development leadership positions, preferably within a major cultural institution, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity; previous work experience in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model or similar structure involving many units, departments, and/or teams is preferred; experience with both individual and institutional principal gifts; participation in a major capital campaign is strongly preferred; demonstrated ability to provide management oversight, leadership, and direction with at least five years of supervisory experience; particular strength in developing the case for support and strategic and complex fundraising plans, including stewardship, and executing against those plans to achieve goals and objectives; experience working directly with the most senior levels of an organization; track record of personally closing gifts at seven-figures or greater and staffing organizational leadership in soliciting seven and eight-figure gifts; steeped in national and international philanthropic networks as they relate to education, arts and culture, science and technology, and other charitable endeavors, with particular sensitivity and responsiveness to the culture and trends of those networks; experience identifying, nurturing, and motivating volunteers; experience in international fundraising and the cultural sensitivity it requires.

The Smithsonian Institution has retained Diversified Search to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations and applications (current resumes and cover letters) should be directed electronically to:

Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.

Managing Director

Practice Leader – Development & Philanthropy

Diversified Search

The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49^th Floor, New York, NY 10174

gerard.cattie@divsearch.com

212.542.2587

PI94564159