Assistant Director of Communications (Advancement Communications and Marketing) (IS-1001-15)

Application Deadline: 31 December 2024

Department: Office of Advancement

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Director of Constituent Engagement

Compensation: $163,964 - $191,900 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: December 11, 2024                CLOSING DATE: December 31, 2024               POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite  SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 
Non-Critical Sensitive

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 for the Smithsonian. In 2024, we launched the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history. The campaign, which runs through 2026, aims to raise $2.5 billion to support all Smithsonian museums and centers—each with a vision to achieve a better future for all. The Smithsonian is also raising support for a series of signature programs, events and exhibitions to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 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 Office of Advancement oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the Office of Advancement provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Director of Constituent Engagement, the Director of Advancement Communications + Marketing leads a team of writers and graphic designers, producing a range of high-quality communications collateral  in print, digital, online and video formats to advance  the Smithsonian's fundraising priorities. As a member of a leadership team that also oversees donor events, membership and annual giving, the incumbent maps out a communication strategy in collaboration with the Director of Constituent Engagement to cultivate, engage and steward donors, prospects and volunteer leaders. The director also oversees the creation of the Smithsonian annual report; IMPACT, a magazine-style donor newsletter published three times per year; and the production of compelling videos. The incumbent outlines an editorial calendar for IMPACT, the annual report, si.edu/support and campaign collateral that highlights a cohesive story about fundraising priorities across the Smithsonian.  At the same time, the Director of Advancement Communications + Market is a skilled storyteller, researcher and interviewer, both writing and editing to produce engaging communication and marketing materials in all media in support of institutional fundraising priorities as well as the priorities of Smithsonian museums and research centers. These include concept papers, case stat