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.
