Donor Relations Specialist (IS-1001-12)

Application Deadline: 3 December 2024

Department: Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Associate Director for Advancement

Compensation: $99,200 - $128,956 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: November 5, 2024                 CLOSING DATE: December 3, 2024               POSITION TYPE: Trust APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite    SCHEDULE: Full TimeDUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 
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 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 Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (CFCH) is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian Institution that produces the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, exhibitions, documentary films and videos, symposia, publications, and educational materials. Through the power of culture, we increase understanding, strengthen communities, and reinforce our shared humanity. We are committed to sustaining cultural diversity across the United States and around the world through research, education, and community engagement. CFCH will be leading the Smithsonian’s signature 250th program, The Festival of Festivals, a month-long extended celebration of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, in the summer of 2026.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Donor Relations Specialist works in the Smithsonian’s CFCH and ensures that prospects and donors experience high-quality interactions with the Center to foster long-term engagement and investment. The incumbent develops methods and strategies for specific aspects of the donor relations program. This includes donor recognition through correspondence materials, events, programs, and opportunities that range from large-scale events where the objective is to reinforce connection, to intimate gatherings that deepen engagement and build long-lasting relationships with the Smithsonian. The Specialist will assist with gift processing and documentation, as well as serve as a key team member in building out our successful Friends of Folkways membership pro