The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is seeking a dynamic advancement professional to join our team at a moment of pivotal growth. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, established in 1997, strives to ensure the representation and inclusion of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) in the Smithsonian’s collections, research, exhibitions, and programs. Since celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, APAC has expanded its mission to amplify AANHPI voices and stories within and beyond the Smithsonian.
Through education initiatives, publications, and public programs, APAC is providing new avenues to document, celebrate, and share the rich and diverse art, history, and culture of AANHPIs. APAC will open its inaugural physical exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2024. Upcoming exhibitions at other Smithsonian museums are being planned, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated APAC gallery on the National Mall. This period of significant and fast-paced transformation will shift APAC’s mostly virtual presence into more physical and enduring spaces. The Smithsonian continues its commitment to preserving and showcasing the vibrant narratives of AANHPI peoples and communities.
The incumbent will expand upon existing structures to build a robust network of donors, stakeholders, and supporters to help realize the unit’s ambitious mission. This position will organizationally be referred to as the Advancement Associate and will assist APAC’s Director of Advancement in fundraising efforts at this critical moment. This position is based in Washington, DC.
Key Responsibilities
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center seeks to hire a qualified candidate to fill the position of advancement associate. This position reports to the APAC Director of Advancement and provides technical and administrative support to all aspects of the APAC advancement program. The advancement associate will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of APAC by strategically engaging with donors, overseeing fundraising campaigns and contributing to APAC’s vision. Collaborating closely with APAC staff and the wider Smithsonian advancement teams, the advancement associate will leverage communication skills to expand APAC’s donor base and secure vital resources. Major duties will include:
- Gift Processing – Prepares and reviews new gifts, payments, and pledges, coordinating closely with the Office of Advancement to track and process payments.
- Donor Information and Relations – Responsible for correspondence with APAC supporters and stakeholders including mailings for invitations and solicitation packages. Reviews and edits materials, correspondence, presentations, and brochures with current and accurate updates. Analyze biographical and gift information to assess participation patterns of constituents. Assist with logistical preparations for special events and guests.
- Data Processing – Maintains and expands data base records of incoming and outstanding gifts, payments, and pledges and relevant donor and prospective donor files. Conducts donor research. Monitors information in the SI advancement database, including donor and prospective donor biological information.
- Research –Conducts research on potential donors with the goal of matching the interests of prospects to upcoming exhibits, programs, and unit’s needs. Drafts profiles of prospects and compiles findings for consideration by advancement staff.
- Administrative Support – Compile data for stewardship reports for donors with responsibility for drafting text, recommending graphic design, and providing statistical tables. Track all correspondence, facsimiles, reports, etc., and follows-up to ensure timely action and replies. In coordination with staff or supervisor, arranges for meetings, contact participants, assemble correspondence, records, reports, and other materials.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong communication skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced office setting. The successful candidate will have a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation. Experience working with Asian Pacific American donors or organizations and/or a familiarity with topics and issues related to Asian Pacific Americans is preferred but not required. Occasional 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.
$68,405 - $88,926
Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes using this link by February 8, 2024: https://trustcareers.si.edu/en/postings/bd21033c-355e-4141-b20e-efc1509e...
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.
Office of Advancement Career Opportunities | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu)
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. 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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.