Prospect Research Analyst (Advancement Associate) (IS-1001-09)

Description OPEN DATE: June 6, 2024

CLOSING DATE: July 5, 2024

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund APPOINTMENT TYPE: Trust Temporary Not to Exceed 9/25/2026

SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Low Risk/Non-Sensitive 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 and 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 as low risk. 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 Office of Advancement 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 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 Office of Advancement seeks an experienced and detail-focused Prospect Research Analyst. Working with colleagues in the Office Advancement and across the Smithsonian, the Prospect Research Analyst contributes to the meaningful engagement of donors and prospects by providing research and strategy recommendations relevant to the Institution’s fundraising priorities. This role is specifically responsible for collecting and presenting research data to support the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

The analyst proactively provides and responds to requests for information on major gift prospects from Smithsonian units and gift officers; identifies and interprets financial data; provides philanthropic capacity estimates on prospective donors; participates in donor strategy sessions, updates development database with research and prospect tracking data; and serves as a liaison to several Smithsonian units. Strict adherence to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the Smithsonian Institution and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) are always required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Qualified candidates will successfully demonstrate strong communications skills, an ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines, superior organization skills, and a demonstrated ability to work independently. The incumbent will be self-motivated and detail-oriented, accurate and professional always; must be precise, diplomatic, dedicated, and mature as well as flexible and able to work well under pressure. Proficient computer and internet skills should be demonstrated in applications. A minimum of three-years of experience in fundraising prospect research and a bachelor’s degree are required. Experience in a large, complex non-profit organization desired.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Benefits and Application Instructions

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by July 5, 2024. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid. This position is a temporary position funded through September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to join Smithsonian Advancement, demonstrate your talents and abilities, learn, and grow, with potential for a permanent position.

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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact oastaffing@si.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: www.si.edu/oeema . Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 137 million.