Gift Officer (IS-1001-13)

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Company: U.S Government

Location: Washington, DC 20011

Description:

Gift Officer (IS-1001-13)

Application Deadline: 4 April 2025

Department: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Associate Director of Advancement

Compensation: $117,962 - $153,354 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: March 14, 2025

CLOSING DATE: April 4, 2025

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Non-Sensitive/Moderate 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

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian's history as we are in the middle of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign's public phase will run through 2026, culminating with the nation's 250th anniversary. It will expand the Smithsonian's reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to today's most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also planning two exciting new museums. The National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be an American. The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums, research centers and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian. There is no better time to join this amazing Institution.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) is headquartered in the Republic of Panama, with modern research and laboratory facilities, a library with extensive holdings in the natural and anthropological sciences, and terrestrial and marine field stations throughout the country. STRI has a vibrant and collaborative scientific community of over 35 staff scientists and hosts over 1200 scientific visitors per year, including fellows and interns. Staff scientists maintain diverse research programs in the ecology, evolution, physiology, development, and behavior of marine and terrestrial organisms and ecosystems, both ancient and modern, and the role of human interactions in shaping tropical environments. Strong interdisciplinary links between our scientists and the broader Smithsonian community provide excellent opportunities for addressing large-scale long-term research questions that are not possible elsewhere.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STRI seeks a creative and energetic individual with a passion for science to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals for major and leadership gifts. Duties include working with a team to expand the Institute's donor community across the country and internationally; creating and implementing innovative strategies for securing major and leadership gifts; managing a portfolio of 100+ prospects and leading strategies for their engagement and solicitation; and preparing proposals and other donor communications. The incumbent is expected to spend time in Panama as well as on travel to other locations associated with advancement and outreach tasks.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of four years of progressive major gift fundraising experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated in your application. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; the ability to meet frequent deadlines; and work independently as well as contribute to a broader team are essential to success. Experience in complex higher education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred. A science background or Spanish language skills are a plus. Travel is required and 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.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter by April 4, 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.

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. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@si.edu. 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.

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