Smithsonian Institution · 18 hours ago
Chief Advancement Officer (SZ-1001-00)
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$150K/yr - $230K/yr
10+ years expThe Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer for the National Museum of Asian Art. The CAO will be responsible for all aspects of fundraising and external advancement, collaborating with senior leadership to build partnerships that advance the museum's mission and impact.
ArtEducationLegalMuseums and Historical Sites
Responsibilities
Partner with the Director and Senior Leadership Team to craft and implement a multi-year development operating plan aligned with the museum’s strategic priorities
Establish key metrics and goals for fundraising performance; regularly assess progress and adapt tactics to meet evolving institutional needs
Collaborate with program leaders to identify, refine, and translate revenue-raising priorities into compelling opportunities for support
Oversee the development and management of the Office of Advancement’s annual operating budget
Lead all major fundraising initiatives to support the museum’s broad and evolving programmatic needs
Manage all aspects of the museum’s Second Century Campaign with a particular focus on major and principal gift donors
Serve as a visible and inspiring fundraiser and ambassador for the National Museum of Asian Art, strengthening the museum’s culture of philanthropy and broadening its base of support
Lead efforts to increase participation in the museum’s recently launched national membership program with a focus on revenue generation and major gift pipeline development
Maintain a strong focus on frontline fundraising and prospect identification, actively building a robust pipeline of new major and principal gift prospects
Personally manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors at the highest levels of giving capacity, including both individual and institutional funders
Establish and nurture direct, enduring relationships with donors and prospects, ensuring a high standard of stewardship and engagement
Collaborate across Smithsonian units to enhance donor relations, develop fundraising materials, and plan cultivation events of all sizes
Oversee and develop a high-performing advancement team, fostering an environment of commitment, accountability, and professionalism
Set annual goals for staff, monitor progress, and provide mentorship and professional growth opportunities
Work in close partnership with the Smithsonian’s central Office of Advancement, ensuring coordination of strategy and access to shared resources and expertise
Oversee the creation of effective, compelling, and visually engaging fundraising materials, proposals, and donor communications
Ensure all advancement communications reflect the museum’s mission, vision, and brand voice, and inspire philanthropic engagement
Qualification
Required
A minimum of 10 years of experience in progressively responsible development leadership positions, which includes work in all functional areas (individual giving, institutional giving, annual giving, planned giving, stewardship, Board relations) and participation in a major capital campaign (planning, implementation, management, and successful conclusion), preferably within a major cultural institution, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity
Demonstrated ability to provide management oversight, leadership, and direction with at least five years of supervisory experience, including experience creating and managing a budget
A proven and inspirational frontline major gifts fundraiser with a long track record of success in securing six and seven-figure gifts and greater. Demonstrated strength in prospect discovery and in building effective strategies to compel new major donor targets to invest in the museum's programs and mission
Direct experience in international fundraising and the cultural sensitivity it requires; a global orientation and knowledge of strategies and trends in global philanthropy. Must have experience working with individual and institutional donors on a global scale
Experience identifying, nurturing, and working with Board members and other museum supporters, and an appreciation for their role in building an effective fundraising network
Benefits
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)
Company
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Smithsonian Institution has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
2024 (11)
2023 (5)
2022 (7)
2021 (7)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.05MKey Investors
Bezos Earth Fund
2025-05-21Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
E
Elizabeth Ziebarth
Visitor Accessibility, Smithsonian Institution
Ellen Stofan
Under Secretary for Science and Research
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