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Development Program Associate

Posted: December 1, 2009 — Closes: December 30, 2009

Smithsonian Institution

Washington DC

Type: Full Time, Entry Level

Preferred Degree: BA/BS

Salary: Open

Description:
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All candidates including individuals with disabilities may apply.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Appointment may be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a pre-appointment background check and subsequent background investigation. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired and/or you may be terminated after you begin work.

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. Planned Giving is part of the Office of Development (OD). OD provides direct fund raising and development support activities in response to Institution-wide and individual museum and research institute development priorities.

Responsibilities:
DUTIES
The Program Associate provides administrative support to the Planned Giving (PG) Director, the PG program team and the PG Development Officer. The Planned Giving Team is responsible for managing and administering giving programs related to bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities and other types of deferred gift instruments.

The Program Associate plays a key role in the operation of the Planned Giving team and the execution of team projects. The incumbent will:
• Receive and screen incoming PG telephone inquiries and written correspondence from donors and provide responses in writing or via phone.
• Prepare written responses to non-standard donor inquiries in consultation with, and for review by, senior team members.
• Prepare gift contracts and manage the internal approval process.
• Provide donor and gift information to Smithsonian's financial services partner and manage this day-to-day relationship.
• Produce in-house mailings to prospects and donors, including gift acknowledgment letters and stewardship correspondence.
• Establish and maintain processes for tracking donor correspondence and records.
• Create statistical reports showing planned giving activity.
• Schedule appointments and meetings based on knowledge of the team's priorities and workload.
• Serve as contact person for the Office of General Counsel, which is responsible for working with the estates of donors when bequests and other estate gifts are realized.
• Coordinate select work of the PG volunteer staff.
• Assist in making travel arrangements for PG team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills:
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Ability to effectively interact orally and in writing with all levels of constituents and management.
2. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks.
3. Ability to prepare, edit, and finalize statistical reports and correspondence using spreadsheet and word processing software.
4. Ability to coordinate and perform a full range of operational and administrative support tasks.
5. Knowledge of development and fund raising principles
6. Knowledge of Planned Giving instruments and practices

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:

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 level.