Associate Director for Advancement Archives of American Art
Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and the institution’s leadership are launching a campaign to support this vision. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. The campaign will provide a foundation for critical research to ensure people and nature thrive together, build unparalleled education programs with families and partners, collect the world’s most precious objects, document the present while reflecting on the past, and reimagine the visitor experience both in-person and online. We are bringing the Smithsonian off the National Mall and across the country through dynamic programming and affiliate partnerships, creating access for all. The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum. These museums will share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be American.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art (AAA) is the largest and most widely used resource on the history of American art in the world. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and make available primary records documenting this country’s rich artistic and cultural legacy with the aim of encouraging all to explore how art is essential to the human experience. Located in Washington, DC, the Archives also has a research center in New York City. To learn more about the Archives of American Art, visit our website at www.aaa.si.edu.
The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art (AAA) seeks an experienced and creative candidate to fill the role of Associate Director for Advancement. Working closely with the Director, senior staff, and members of the Board of Trustees, the Associate Director oversees all fundraising at the AAA, including foundation grants, major gifts, annual fund, and cultivation events. The incumbent manages relationships with current and prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. Regular direct interaction with donors and potential donors nationwide is expected, and direct, independent solicitation of gifts from individuals and institutional donors is a central aspect of the position.
The Associate Director develops and manages activity for the portfolio of prospects ranging from major gifts to principal gifts and on an annual and long-term basis for general operating support and programmatic initiatives as well as endowments. The incumbent seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio and increase giving from current donors. The Associate Director develops and implements the AAA’s communications and marketing strategy and supporting campaigns to raise the visibility and to elevate the brand of the Archives of American Art in alignment with generating support for fundraising priorities.
The Associate Director is responsible for planning and oversight of the annual gala, a formal dinner for approximately 300 people with honorees and an awards program, including developing and implementing a plan to engage board members and other key stakeholders in soliciting support for this event and/or equivalent events. The Associate Director develops and manages other cultivation events that may be developed through the year, working in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Special Events and Protocol as needed. The Associate Director is responsible for effective budget management, working in collaboration with the AAA’s Director for Administration. The incumbent supervises three advancement staff whose primary duties are in external communications, grant and gift management, individual giving, and annual fund. This position reports to the Director of the AAA.
Successful candidates will have a minimum of seven years of successful experience in fundraising with increasing level of responsibility. At least five years of experience in direct solicitation of major gifts, including principal gifts is preferred. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, communication, project management, and supervisory skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is highly desirable. Travel is required and work during the evening 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.
$139,395-$157,982 Annually
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter using this link by May 31, 2024. 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.
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