Gift Officer; Individual Giving

Final date to receive applications: 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.

• 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.

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.

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 ies 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.

• 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…