Assistant Director for Advancement, IS-1001-15
Application Deadline: 14 September 2026
Department: National Museum of the American Latino
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Compensation: $169,279 - $197,200 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: September 10, 2026
CLOSING DATE: September 14, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Low Risk Non-Sensitive
Who May Apply:
Current Smithsonian Employees Only
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, 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.
- 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
Join a talented and mission-driven team at a pivotal moment in the Smithsonian’s history. Guided by a bold vision to build a better future for all, the Smithsonian is advancing its mission through the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, a transformative fundraising initiative supporting museums, research centers, education programs, collections, and visitor experiences across the institution.
Through this campaign, the Smithsonian is investing in groundbreaking research, innovative educational partnerships, the preservation of invaluable collections, and dynamic in-person and digital experiences that connect people to knowledge and culture. Expanding beyond the National Mall, the Smithsonian is increasing access nationwide through affiliate partnerships and community-based programming.
The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. These institutions will elevate and share the stories, experiences, and contributions of Latinos and women throughout American history, fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s diverse heritage and identity.
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.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) seeks to hire an accomplished Assistant Director of Advancement with proven fundraising experience to build and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors to execute a fundraising program focused on high-capacity giving.
The Assistant Director directs the Advancement program for NMAL, with responsibility for planning and executing major and annual gift fundraising initiatives including individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position is responsible for securing philanthropic support by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects. The selected candidate will develop and manage a comprehensive membership program, engage advisory council members and their networks, and design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy to advance the Museum’s priorities.
Working in close partnership with the Smithsonian Office of Advancement, the incumbent coordinates fundraising initiatives and collaborates on proposals, gift agreements, budgets, reports, and related policies and procedures. The Assistant Director also provides leadership and supervision to a team of four advancement professionals.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates may qualify for this position through a combination of education, demonstrated knowledge, and related professional experience.
- Must be a current Smithsonian employee
- Possess at least four years of fundraising experience, preferably gained in a complex higher education setting or within a large cultural or environmental organization.
- Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing significant donor contributions is required. Candidates must possess strong organizational, communication, collaboration, and relationship-management skills, and be able to work independently in a dynamic environment.
- The successful candidate will have a passion for learning and discovery and a strong desire to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish.
- Availability for domestic and international travel is required.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed, is essential.
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.
Application Instructions
Current Smithsonian employees must submit a resume detailing both paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position. The resume must include the start and end dates (month and year) for each position, as well as the average number of hours worked per week. While a cover letter is strongly encouraged, it is not required. All application materials must be submitted through the online application portal using the link provided above.
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. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager and invited for an interview. If you are chosen for an interview you will need to provide multiple references, including title and contact information, who are familiar with your work and professional skills and abilities.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. 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. To review the Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following:
https://www.si.edu/oeo.
