Foundation Gifts Officer - Major Foundation Relations

Smithsonian Institution; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 102,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Gift Officer (Foundation Relations) to advance major foundation gifts through strategic prospecting, grant development, and rigorous stewardship. This full-time Trust Fund role reports to the Director of Major Gifts and operates across NZCBI, NMNH, and NASM in Washington, DC.

Ideal candidates have 5–10 years of fundraising experience, excellent written and verbal communication, and a proven track record in securing private support for education, research,

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fundraising and marketing methods to develop new concepts and approaches.
• Skill in making oral presentations to various internal and external groups to inform about the unit’s programs, objectives and activities.
• Skill in applying a variety of analytical techniques in gathering and evaluating complex data to develop appropriate recommendations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with groups of diverse levels of understanding and backgrounds.
• Skill in written communication in order to convey information and clarify operations and activities.

Responsibilities

• Prospect Management: Manages prospect activity for a portfolio of major gift/foundation prospects, developing individual strategies and execution activities to expand the portfolio and increase giving from current donors.
• Program Management: Works collaboratively to cultivate and manage relationships with current and prospective foundation donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising

Foundation relations

Donor cultivation

Proposal writing

Communication

Leadership

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Gift Officer (Foundation Relations) to advance major foundation gifts through strategic prospecting, grant development, and rigorous stewardship. This full-time Trust Fund role reports to the Director of Major Gifts and operates across NZCBI, NMNH, and NASM in Washington, DC.

Ideal candidates have 5–10 years of fundraising experience, excellent written and verbal communication, and a proven track record in securing private support for education, research,