Office of Advancement Career Opportunities

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, based in Edgewater, Maryland, leads the nation and the world in coastal ecosystem research, focusing on sustainable solutions for the planet's pressing environmental challenges. With 60 years of research excellence, it leverages its Rhode River site and global networks to address ecological issues, particularly where human activity converges with economic interests. By fostering innovation and collaboration, SERC aims to integrate scientific discoveries into policies and practices for a resilient and sustainable future. To learn more visit, serc.si.edu

As an integral part of the SERC Office of Advancement, the Advancement Assistant plays a pivotal role in supporting the institution's fundraising efforts. This position has technical and administrative assistance duties that ensure the smooth operation of advancement activities and contribute to the center's ongoing success.

Key Responsibilities

• Gift Processing: Responsible for the accurate recording and acknowledgment of gifts.
• Donor Information/Relations: Manage communications for donor events, assemble solicitation materials, and maintain up-to-date donor information. Assisted in drafting correspondence and ensuring the readiness of materials for donor engagement.
• Data Processing: Maintain donor information records in the SI advancement database. Ensure all donor and prospect engagement is recorded in the database.
• Research: Support the identification and engagement of potential donors by researching interests and aligning them with SERC's programs and exhibits. Compile and organize data to assist advancement staff in donor outreach.
• Administrative Support: Assist in the preparation of stewardship reports, event logistics, meeting arrangements, prospect portfolios, and travel. Maintain and manage office records and correspondence, ensuring efficiency and compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse range of individuals.
• Proficiency in administrative and management principles, with a keen eye for detail and organization.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with a flexible approach to managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Familiarity with standard office software and database management.
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising is preferred.
• Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including occasional late nights and weekends, and be open to travel as needed.

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.

Application Instructions
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 March 29, 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. This position is a temporary position funded for a one-year term. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.

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 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.

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 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’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum collaborates with other Smithsonian museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The Molina Family Latino Gallery of the National Museum of the American Latino is the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian was established by Congress in December 2020.

Key Responsibilities
The National Museum of the American Latino seeks a Membership Coordinator who works with a direct marketing agency to develop multi-channel marketing messaging and campaigns, including, but not limited to, direct mail, online and telemarketing content and strategy. The Membership Coordinator will serve as program liaison, working with museum advancement staff to execute membership program and operations; help develop program strategy and messaging and manage program structure, marketing and operations; coordinate and maintain master direct response and member/donor contact schedule; serve as liaison to vendors; oversee and deploy campaigns through multiple channels in partnership with vendors and internal staff; coordinate benefit fulfillment and cultivation mailings; and work with vendors for data analysis and reporting.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in direct response fundraising. The ideal candidate will have experience developing bilingual campaigns for diverse and multigenerational audiences; written and oral fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Knowledge of membership strategy, operations and Microsoft Office is desired. Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently are essential. Applications should demonstrate the ability to coordinate complex procedures and to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The successful candidate will have a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join an innovative and growing operation.

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.

Application Instructions
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 April 21, 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 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.