Gift Officer

Gift Officer (Institutional)

OPEN DATE: May 20, 2025

CLOSING DATE: June 17, 2025

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Trust Temporary (Not-to-Exceed 1-Year)

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: New York, NY

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive/Low Risk

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

Part of Cooper Hewitt’s Advancement Department, the Institutional Giving Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of an annual workplan generating contributed revenue from public and private foundations, Smithsonian Institution sources, and government agencies in support of museum exhibitions and programs, special initiatives, and general operations. This position will report to the Chief Advancement Officer and liaises with colleagues in the Advancement Department, at Cooper Hewitt, and across the entire Smithsonian Institution to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts.

View full job listing here: https://trustcareers.si.edu/en/postings/8730249f-53e8-4c54-b78c-f731a7c6c934

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintains an active institutional portfolio and is responsible for participating in prospect qualification, building relationships with funders, developing, writing and editing effective LOIs, proposals and solicitations with supplementary materials as required, and achieving annual contributed revenue goals through new and renewed support. Responsibilities also include execution of grant documentation, general correspondence and invitations, budget oversight, acknowledgements and recordkeeping.

Plans and manages a calendar of stewardship and engagement activity, including benefits fulfillment, which may include the timely submission of interim and final reports, reconcile budgets, and ensure compliance with policies, guidelines and grant agreements.

Collaborate with colleagues and volunteer leaders to elicit information, align proposals with upcoming program offerings and to fulfil reporting requirements.

Other duties as assigned, including representing the museum and interacting with a wide range of colleagues and supporters, participating in development-related special events that entail some evening and weekend hours.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Five to seven years’ experience in raising funds from and stewarding relationships with leading foundations and government agencies.

A demonstrated track record of success.

Familiarity with or interest in Cooper Hewitt’s mission and programs.

Effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization.

A team spirit, the ability to take both initiative and direction, and a comfort level with problem-solving and prioritization.

Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office and relational databases)

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.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter by June 16, 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. This position is a temporary position funded for a one-year period. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins. 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.

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.