Description:
The Gift Officer and Smithsonian National Astronomy Circle (SNAC) Program Director builds and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a program focused on high capacity giving. The Senior Gift Officer’s work affects the successful achievement of major programs such as the unit’s fundraising goal, the progress of various internal programs, and/ or the funding of a substantial number of Trust positions affected by their continued efforts. The position is located in the Office of Advancement at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).
MAJOR DUTIES
Program Management
- Cultivates and manages relationships with current and prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. This includes all aspects of plan development and execution of programs and projects, in collaboration with other staff and volunteers as appropriate, to meet the fundraising goals and performance metrics established by the unit. Ensures adherence to policies, guidelines, and regulations. Evaluate and address challenges encountered with projects and plans and determine the engagement of appropriate staff and supervisors as part of the resolution.
- Plans events, site tours, and donor visits, whether at an SAO facility or regional locations or by video conference. Prepares scientists and SAO Leadership for events, tours and donor visits with briefings. Organizes Board and SNAC member participation in events, tours and visits. If Board or SNAC members are serving as volunteers to engage others, prepares briefings for them. Engages staff, volunteers and leadership in cultivating and soliciting donors in addition to soliciting gifts personally.
- Prepares introductory emails, solicitation letters, project concept papers, proposals, acknowledgment letters, stewardship reports, event invitations, newsletter articles, gift announcements, and other correspondence and develops cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials, often in collaboration with graphic designers and grant writing consultants. Determine strategies based on donor interests and unit/ Smithsonian objectives.
Prospect Management
- Develops and manages prospect activity for the portfolio of prospects ranging from major gifts to leadership or principal giving. Seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio and increase giving from current donors.
- Develop individual strategies and execute activities to increase giving and expand portfolio. Executes prospect management practices in accordance with established guidelines and seeks to maximize opportunities for prospects and donors.
- Ensures activity and information is recorded accurately and timely to identify and engage the appropriate stakeholders. The incumbent works collaboratively with and in support of the Advancement staff and other Gift Officers as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Travel may be required on the weekends.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience in similar positions at or above the grade 12 level. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Strong oral presentation skills to engage and inform donors and donor prospects and negotiate significant gifts on behalf of the Smithsonian or unit.
- Skill in developing written materials designed to recognize and encourage the organization's donors where their funding has benefited the unit programs.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various individual or institutional donors of diverse backgrounds and interests.
- Skill in analyzing individuals and institutions to develop prospect portfolios and prospect donors in achieving fundraising goals.
- Knowledge of fundraising and marketing methods, techniques and practices and the creativity and ingenuity to develop new concepts and approaches.
- Ability to apply strategic planning techniques in a dynamic environment
- Strong social and interpersonal skills and knowledge of protocol.