Required Experience:
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidates will demonstrate proven ability to develop and manage a fundraising program in a major cultural, scientific, educational and/or non-profit organization, including the ability to navigate large, complex institutions. Ability to develop goals and plans of accomplishment. Proven success in securing significant contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations through creative discovery and cultivation of productive relationships with prospective donors. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential.
A minimum of six years of experience in progressively responsible advancement leadership positions, which includes work in individual giving, institutional giving, and stewardship. A passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree is highly desired. Travel is required and work during the evenings and weekends may be necessary.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Benefits and Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by November 25, 2025. Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. Relocation expenses are not paid.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review the Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
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Duties / Expectations:
Gift Officer, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (IS-1001-13)
Smithsonian Institution
10th St NW At Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
$120,579 - $156,755 a year - Full-time
Skills
Leadership
Fundraising
Experience in non-profits
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Do you have experience in Leadership?
Education
Bachelor's degree
Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
Benefits
403(b)
AD&D insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Life insurance
Full job description
Description
OPEN DATE: 10/29/2025
CLOSING DATE: 11/25/2025
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Low Risk Non-Sensitive
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026, culminating with the nation’s 250th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.
The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian Institution that produces the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, exhibitions, documentary films and videos, symposia, publications, and educational materials. Through the power of culture, we increase understanding, strengthen communities, and reinforce our shared humanity. We are committed to sustaining cultural diversity across the United States and around the world through research, education, and community engagement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage seeks an experienced individual to serve as Advancement Lead. The incumbent will execute a fundraising program focused on high capacity giving to support the Center. The incumbent will build and manage a new portfolio of prospective donors, including individual, corporate, and foundation donors. To achieve this objective the incumbent will cultivate productive relationships, develop, and execute strategies for engagement, present opportunities for giving, and complete the solicitation efforts with donors. This includes all aspects of planning, development, and execution of programs and projects to meet the annual fundraising goals and performance metrics established by the Center and the Office of Advancement.
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