Advancement Program Specialist (IS-1001-12)

Application Deadline: 19 January 2026

Department: Office of Advancement

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Director of Professional Development

Compensation: $101,401 - $114,923 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: January 13, 2026                 CLOSING DATE: January 19, 2026               POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent    SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive/Low 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 dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and the institution’s leadership have launched a campaign to support this vision. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. The campaign will provide a foundation for critical research to ensure people and nature thrive together, build unparalleled education programs with families and partners, collect the world’s most precious objects, document the present while reflecting on the past, and reimagine the visitor experience both in-person and online. We are bringing the Smithsonian off the National Mall and across the country through dynamic programming and affiliate partnerships, creating access for all.  

The Office of Advancement (OA) 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 OA provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Advancement seeks an experienced candidate to fill the role of Advancement Program Specialist in their Professional Development department. This individual is responsible for coordinating and supporting training and professional development initiatives for Advancement staff. The person:

• Assists with planning and logistics for orientation sessions, conferences, and recognition programs.
• Maintains communication channels for program awareness, including websites, printed materials, and announcements. 
• Collects and organizes feedback and data to help evaluate program effectiveness.
• Provides administrative and operational support for meetings, events, and speaker participation.
• Helps implement policies and best practices for training and development programs.
• Liaises with service providers and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth program execution.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires 3 to 5 years of experience working in a professional developme