Application Deadline: 6 December 2024
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $116,820 - $179,462 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: November 3, 2024
CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2024
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA, or Remote Duty Station
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
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, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- 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.
This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 14. Selection can be made at either the grade 13 or 14. Candidate selected at grade 13 may be non-competitively promoted to grade 14 upon recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and employee qualifications.
Overview
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
Summary
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.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact
hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
