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Development Officer

Posted: December 3, 2009 — Closes: January 3, 2009

Smithsonian Institution

Washington DC

Type: Full Time, Experienced

Salary: $71,100-$95,026

Description:
Introduction The Smithsonian Institution is a unique working and learning environment that offers you continuing awareness of the world's treasures in culture, art, and science. If your goals include challenging work, being a valued member of an organization, become a part of our staff.

The mission of the Office of Development is to articulate the critical role of private philanthropy to the Institution and the vast opportunities for voluntary support in the life of the Smithsonian Institution. The Office is charged with maximizing the financial support to the Institution by seeking private contributions in order to increase the margin of excellence of its educational and research programs. It provides guidance in establishing and implementing a wide range of advancement policies and procedures for individual donors, contributing members, corporations, and foundations. The Office is responsible for integrating the activities of Institution-wide volunteer organizations and other leadership groups with the mission and priorities of the Smithsonian. The Office is committed to offering exceptional fundraising services, knowledge, and counsel to donors, prospective donors, and the leadership of the Institution.

JOB SUMMARY:
This position is assigned to the Smithsonian Planned Giving Program. OD provides direct fund raising and development support activities in response to Institution-wide and individual museum and research institute development priorities. The incumbent serves under the administrative supervision and work direction from the responsible Development team leader or senior Development Officers. The incumbent works with a degree of independence, keeping supervisor informed of unanticipated issues that arise and may recommend actions and solutions to such situations. Completed work is reviewed for soundness of overall approach and conformance with controlling management policies.

Responsibilities:
DUTIES
Responsible for coordinating planned gift fund-raising for the units of the Smithsonian. In this capacity, incumbent works closely with senior managers in establishing a targeted approach to solicit planned gifts and charitable gift annuities for the arts and science. Also advises them on philanthropic trends that affect Smithsonian priorities. Responsible for developing, in concert with each bureau director, a sound development plan and set of procedures, to ensure good working relationships between OD and that bureau and to ensure the efficient pursuit of private funding.

May supervise and coordinate the work of OD Development team assistant(s).

Responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals from whom planned gifts are sought for movement along gift continuum.

Must possess an understanding of current philanthropic interests of individual donors, acquired through regular contact with those individuals. Maintains the necessary relations program to keep the Smithsonian name and achievements alive in the minds of individual donors and prospects.

Keeps abreast of current and newly developing scholarly and curatorial projects and programs qualifying for foundation support. Provides research on the changing goals and interests of planned giving prospects, allowing the Institution to respond to shifting priorities and develop dormant or opportunistic interests into program proposals. Provides the Office of Planning, Management and Budget, as well as the Chief Financial Officer, with a clearer sense of the programs that might reasonably be expected to receive funding (and at what levels) from individuals, thus facilitating financial planning within the Institution.

Responsible for planning fund-raising strategy in conjunction with other OD Development officers and for carrying out specific projects. Identifies potential project sponsors and settles on the appropriate targets for funding. Either alone or with other Smithsonian personnel, approaches individuals and negotiates the terms of their support to the Institution.

Maintains records of all past and current approaches to outside funding sources so as to avoid unnecessary and undesirable conflicts.

Based upon research and knowledge on past practices of donors and their personal interests in specific projects, the incumbent, counsels Smithsonian staff members on matters relating to private funding, advising which funding sources might be appropriate for particular projects and the best manner of approaching them. Performs analysis of the concept, methods and costs of research, exhibition, education and other projects; based upon this analysis writes documents to describe projects to prospective donors and to persuade them to support the projects with a major gift. Prepares, for own signature, as well as that of the Secretary, the appropriate OD management team members, and bureau directors, related correspondence directed to individual prospects and donors. Responds verbally and in writing to questions posed by individual prospects and donors to Institution proposals, or refers questions as necessary to appropriate bureaus or departments for reply.

Maintains contact with donors after receipt of contributions including preparing acknowledgements, arranging for invitations to opening receptions in coordination with the bureau directors and the Office of Special Events, and arranging for periodic reports on program progress.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of oral and written communications and interpersonal relations skills in order to determine the most effective method to present proposals and persuade prospect and museum personnel to accept suggestions and proposals. Fosters effective relationships among the bureaus and OD and between funding sources and the Institution.

Comprehensive analytical skills and experience to assess the salability of proposals and potential reactions of prospects to proposals, and to develop recommendations for stimulating interest in Smithsonian programs.

Creative skills and experience in producing written materials to stimulate interest on the part of potential funding sources who may be indifferent to Institutional objectives.

Good knowledge of potential funding sources for Smithsonian projects.

Skill in relating needs of the Smithsonian to major gift prospects.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative work relationships with potential funding sources and with SI staff.

OTHER
1 Relocation expenses will not be paid.
2 When promotional potential is shown, the Smithsonian Institution is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher

Application Instructions:
Applications must be received by the closing date. Please note the following:
Resumes must be received by the closing date and may be submitted in the following ways: