Director of Advancement, SZ-1001-00

Director of Advancement, SZ-1001-00 Smithsonian Institution - 4.1 Cambridge, MA Job Details Full-time $151,661 a year 7 hours ago Benefits Commuter assistance AD&D insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Vision insurance 403(b) Life insurance Qualifications Data modeling Public policy development Database systems Team supervision Funder relationship management Collaboration with board members Team development Policy & process development Major gift prospect cultivation Bachelor's degree Data management Fundraising data analysis Data interpretation Capital campaign plan development Strategic communications Cross-functional collaboration General management Policy Development Budget review Board relations Cross-functional communication Organizational budget management Senior leadership Full Job Description Director of Advancement, SZ-1001-00 Please note: the page you are viewing is for internal candidates only.

OPENING DATE

June 17, 2026

CLOSING DATE:

July 1, 2026

SERIES/GRADE:

SZ-1001-00 TYPE OF POSITION

Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION

Office of Advancement

LOCATION

Cambridge, MA

AREA OF CONSIDERATION

This position is open to all current SAO employees. SAO is unable to provide sponsorship for this position. 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.

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 Director of Advancement has overall responsibility to plan, direct, implement, and evaluate the annual and long-range private philanthropic fundraising activities for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The Director of Advancement is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of an advancement program designed to advance the SAO mission and goals. The incumbent supervises a team of staff in advancement operations and programs and collaborates closely with the Director to solicit the active support and involvement of the Advisory Board.

MAJOR DUTIES

Program Management:

Provides expert advice to the Director on all aspects of fundraising and advancement, makes substantial recommendations for policy changes and new program directions; plans, establishes, and leads major fundraising initiatives to support the broad and ever-evolving programmatic needs of the SAO. Serves as the principal fund-raising officer for SAO. Assists the Director by setting fund-raising goals and managing resources to ensure those goals are met. Manages cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship through a team of advancement officers. Develops solicitation strategies and coordinates implementation by department gift officers, the SAO Director, other senior staff, Advisory Board, and key volunteers. Maintains a rigorous commitment to frontline fundraising for SAO priorities. Works with Smithsonian Institution advancement leadership to develop targets and opportunities for Smithsonian campaigns. Manages a personal portfolio of prospects and donors at the highest levels of giving capacity, including both individual and institutional sources, as well as provide strategy and direction over the full SAO portfolio.

Strategic Leadership, Planning, & Advisory Functions:

Serves as principal fundraising advisor to senior executives on agency initiatives. Leads development of strategic plans for philanthropic support, Advancement program frameworks, and policy recommendations regarding private support. Provides expert analysis on emerging issues affecting agency operations or external engagement. Serves as the senior fundraising authority for SAO, counseling senior scientists and other staff on matters relating to private funding, advising which funding sources might be appropriate for projects and the best manner of approaching them. Regularly briefs senior staff on fundraising plans, priorities, and activities; reviews staff contacts with outside parties to identify cultivation and stewardship opportunities; and advises and assists other department staff in donor engagement. In this capacity, coordinates work of other staff planning for and securing private support for major initiatives. Provides strategic focus and tactical direction for Smithsonian wide campaign initiatives as well as annual development operation. Develops the overall strategic plan for a campaign model that supports the overall mission of the organization; and involves all staff and volunteers in the planning and development process to utilize their expertise and cultivate their support. Engages and collaborates with the Smithsonian Institution in building consensus in support of the Smithsonian Institution campaign and the SAO mission.

Program Development & Integration:

Design and implement agency-wide fundraising programs that span multiple functional areas. Coordinates efforts across departments to ensure philanthropic support aligns with SAO/SI mission and goals. Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations:

Cultivates relationships with external partners, donors, and industry leaders,. Represents the agency in high-level meetings, conferences, and public forums. Negotiates agreements, partnerships, or funding arrangements that advance agency objectives.

Policy Interpretation & Innovation:

Interpret broad federal policies and adapt them to agency-specific contexts. Develop internal guidance, protocols, or frameworks where none exist. Identify gaps in existing policy and propose innovative solutions.

Analytical & Decision Support:

Conduct complex analyses involving budget, operations, or strategic priorities. Prepare high-level reports, white papers, and briefing materials for senior leadership. Advise on risk mitigation, resource allocation, and long-term planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Facilitate collaboration between technical, administrative, and policy teams. Function as a liaison between internal divisions and external stakeholders. Resolve conflicts and align competing interests to achieve unified outcomes.

Supervision and Department Management:

Directs the Office of Advancement, performing all supervisory duties to include hiring, managing and coaching staff members, establishing performance goals, approving leave, taking disciplinary actions if necessary, and monitoring activities and outcomes. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:

Extensive experience leading and managing fundraising and advancement programs, including staff supervision, budget oversight, and strategic planning. Demonstrated success developing and executing fundraising strategies, cultivating donor relationships, and engaging senior leaders, boards, and other key stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required : Expert knowledge and demonstrated mastery of fundraising and marketing methods, techniques and practices and the creativity and ingenuity to develop new concepts and approaches that involve significant departures from previous efforts. Expert-level understanding of advancement strategy, stakeholder relations, and policy. Mastery of advancement strategy, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and institutional development. Deep understanding of federal policies, public affairs, and organizational dynamics. Skill in navigating complex political and donor landscapes, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers. Excellent communications, marketing, and public relations skills. Superior organizational skills and ability to apply strategic planning techniques. Excellent written communication skills to develop materials that include compelling proposals and/ or information concerning internal programs and functions to individuals and groups having diverse levels of understanding of the organization's programs and activities. Demonstrated excellence in intercultural and people skills in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with individuals and groups interested in or affected by internal programs, creating meaningful communication interchanges between them and the organization. Expert skill in oral communication to conduct meetings with current and prospective donors and gain their agreement to make donations, and to explain the SAO/CfA programs and efforts logically and effectively to gain understanding by interested groups (i.e., donors, prospects etc.) Requires knowledge of supervisory responsibilities sufficient to carry out the full range of first level supervisory duties. Demonstrated ability in planning and executing integrated, strategic communications in support of achieving fundraising goals. Superior knowledge and experience identifying and coaching project spokespeople. A functional understanding of how to effectively leverage various communication mediums and distribution channels for optimal exposure and impact. Skills and experience identifying, nurturing, and working with Board members and other museum supporters, and an appreciation for their role in building an effective fundraising network. Ability to extract and analyze data to make effective, efficient decisions about donor strategy and process. Working knowledge of modern data management practices and techniques, including database information systems, data modeling, and analysis. Familiarity with technology and other innovations that can streamline the development process and contribute to the integration of advancement functions. 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 rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins. 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. The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact . 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 Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/ About Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is joined by Harvard College Observatory to form the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The Center is a collaboration between Harvard and Smithsonian designed to ask — and ultimately answer — humanity's greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. Founded in 1973, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is an ongoing collaboration designed to foster innovation and propel discovery. Our mission is to advance knowledge of the Universe through research in astronomy and astrophysics and in related areas of fundamental physics and geophysics. At the CfA, scientists in a broad range of disciplines study the universe at every scale, from every wavelength, and using telescopes and instruments that span and orbit the globe, all with a single purpose: making groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge. Our Hiring Process Stage 5 : Second Interview Stage 6 : Tentative Offer Letter Stage 7 : Hired Stage 1 : Applied Stage 2 : Qualifications Review Stage 3 : Phone Screen Stage 4 : First Interview Stage 5 : Second Interview Stage 6 : Tentative Offer Letter Stage 7 : Hired Stage 1 : Applied Stage 2 : Qualifications Review Stage 3 : Phone Screen Stage 4 : First Interview Stage 5 : Second Interview Stage 6 : Tentative Offer Letter Stage 7 : Hired 1 2 3 Application Deadline July 01, 2026 Department Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Employment Type Full Time Location Cambridge, MA Workplace type Fully remote Compensation $151,661 / year View all opportunities at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory