Estate Administrator

Description:

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. The campaign 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 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 advancement 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

The Estate Administrator works in the Office of Advancement and provides technical and administrative support to the Director of Gift Planning in concert with the Office of General Counsel to include:

• Lead and grow successful Estate Administration program, which currently brings in $25M+ revenue annually, across the Smithsonian Institution.
• Work closely with estate and trust executors and institutional custodians to facilitate the receipt of estate and retirement assets ranging from $250K - $2.5M+.
• Manage all aspects of the Estate Administration program, including carefully reviewing all estate documents and accounting, monitoring estate status to ensure timely distribution, and working closely with Office of General Counsel to support detailed estate review, as required.
• Work with estate and trust executors, administrators and/or their attorneys to facilitate the transfer of gifts of tangible personal property to the Smithsonian’s national collection as well as facilitate gifts of real estate and other complex assets.
• Facilitate endowments established by bequests, and lead stewardship and reporting to decedents’ family members and/or estate representatives.
• Collaborate with Smithsonian staff at museums, research centers, and cultural centers to assess and close estate gifts, as needed.
• Support a $25 million and growing Charitable Gift Annuity and Trust pool.