Gift Officer(Individual Giving), IS-1001-12
Smithsonian Institution, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Application Deadline:
17 March 2026
Department:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location:
Cambridge, MA
Compensation:
$101,375 - $131,790 / year
Opening Date:
February 17, 2026
Closing Date:
March 17, 2026
Series/Grade:
1001/12
Type of Position:
Trust Indefinite (Non‑Federal)
Division:
Directors Office
Location:
Remote
Area of Consideration:
This position is open to all eligible candidates.
This is a remote role. Salary will be based on the locality where the work is performed.
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 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.
The SAO Advancement program was established to engage individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations in furthering the Smithsonian’s mission through philanthropic support.
Summary The Gift Officer functions as a discovery officer and plays a key role in building private support for research, science, educational and outreach activities, and endowment needs at SAO. Duties include securing contributions from individuals by discovering and cultivating a productive relationship with prospective donors. The Gift Officer develops and executes strategies for engagement for unit‑wide initiatives, in addition to specific fundraising priorities. The Gift Officer presents opportunities for giving and negotiation and assists in solicitation efforts. The Gift Officer reports to the Assistant Director of Individual Giving within the Advancement office. The Gift Officer will be part of a comprehensive advancement program for the SAO.
Major Duties
Prospect Management : Manages prospect activity for a portfolio of major gift and annual giving prospects. Seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio through discovery and increase giving from current donors.
Fundraising Program Management : Works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to manage relationships with current and prospective donors for unit‑wide initiatives and key fundraising priorities.
Portfolio Management and Donor Strategy : Manages a portfolio of mid‑to‑high value individual donors and prospects, developing tailored cultivation. Develops solicitation and stewardship strategies to advance long‑term philanthropic engagement.
Donor Cultivation : Initiates and sustains ongoing relationships with donors through personalized communication, strategic opportunities, and mission‑aligned storytelling.
Solicitation and Proposal Development : Leads the development of customized solicitation strategies for gifts typically ranging from mid‑level to major gift thresholds, ensuring alignment with funding needs.
Stewardship and Impact Reporting : Ensures timely and meaningful stewardship of donors through personalized acknowledgments, impact updates, recognition activities, and engagement touchpoints.
Data Management and Reporting : Maintains accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, and portfolio activity in the data system.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration : Participates in strategic planning discussions to identify funding gaps and opportunities for individual giving growth. Supports events, campaigns, and initiatives that enhance donor engagement and visibility.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements Basic Requirements:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position, such as fundraising experience in national non‑profit, research and development, or complex higher education contexts.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required
Mastery of fundraising principles, donor psychology, and individual giving strategies sufficient to independently manage a complex donor portfolio.
Skill in developing tailored cultivation and solicitation and plans, interpreting donor data, and aligning donor interest with organizational priorities.
Ability to craft persuade proposals and articulate mission outlines impact to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of fundraising and marketing methods, techniques, and practices to develop new concepts and approaches.
Skill in applying a variety of analytical techniques in gathering and evaluating complex data to develop appropriate recommendations for consideration.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with groups of diverse levels of understanding and backgrounds.
Skill in written communication to convey information and clarify operations and activities.
Skill in making oral presentations to various internal and external groups to inform about the unit’s programs, objectives, and activities.
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 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/oeo.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
#J-18808-Ljbffr
17 March 2026
Department:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location:
Cambridge, MA
Compensation:
$101,375 - $131,790 / year
Opening Date:
February 17, 2026
Closing Date:
March 17, 2026
Series/Grade:
1001/12
Type of Position:
Trust Indefinite (Non‑Federal)
Division:
Directors Office
Location:
Remote
Area of Consideration:
This position is open to all eligible candidates.
This is a remote role. Salary will be based on the locality where the work is performed.
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 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.
The SAO Advancement program was established to engage individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations in furthering the Smithsonian’s mission through philanthropic support.
Summary The Gift Officer functions as a discovery officer and plays a key role in building private support for research, science, educational and outreach activities, and endowment needs at SAO. Duties include securing contributions from individuals by discovering and cultivating a productive relationship with prospective donors. The Gift Officer develops and executes strategies for engagement for unit‑wide initiatives, in addition to specific fundraising priorities. The Gift Officer presents opportunities for giving and negotiation and assists in solicitation efforts. The Gift Officer reports to the Assistant Director of Individual Giving within the Advancement office. The Gift Officer will be part of a comprehensive advancement program for the SAO.
Major Duties
Prospect Management : Manages prospect activity for a portfolio of major gift and annual giving prospects. Seeks opportunities to expand the portfolio through discovery and increase giving from current donors.
Fundraising Program Management : Works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to manage relationships with current and prospective donors for unit‑wide initiatives and key fundraising priorities.
Portfolio Management and Donor Strategy : Manages a portfolio of mid‑to‑high value individual donors and prospects, developing tailored cultivation. Develops solicitation and stewardship strategies to advance long‑term philanthropic engagement.
Donor Cultivation : Initiates and sustains ongoing relationships with donors through personalized communication, strategic opportunities, and mission‑aligned storytelling.
Solicitation and Proposal Development : Leads the development of customized solicitation strategies for gifts typically ranging from mid‑level to major gift thresholds, ensuring alignment with funding needs.
Stewardship and Impact Reporting : Ensures timely and meaningful stewardship of donors through personalized acknowledgments, impact updates, recognition activities, and engagement touchpoints.
Data Management and Reporting : Maintains accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, and portfolio activity in the data system.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration : Participates in strategic planning discussions to identify funding gaps and opportunities for individual giving growth. Supports events, campaigns, and initiatives that enhance donor engagement and visibility.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements Basic Requirements:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position, such as fundraising experience in national non‑profit, research and development, or complex higher education contexts.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required
Mastery of fundraising principles, donor psychology, and individual giving strategies sufficient to independently manage a complex donor portfolio.
Skill in developing tailored cultivation and solicitation and plans, interpreting donor data, and aligning donor interest with organizational priorities.
Ability to craft persuade proposals and articulate mission outlines impact to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of fundraising and marketing methods, techniques, and practices to develop new concepts and approaches.
Skill in applying a variety of analytical techniques in gathering and evaluating complex data to develop appropriate recommendations for consideration.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with groups of diverse levels of understanding and backgrounds.
Skill in written communication to convey information and clarify operations and activities.
Skill in making oral presentations to various internal and external groups to inform about the unit’s programs, objectives, and activities.
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 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/oeo.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
#J-18808-Ljbffr