Writer/Editor

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 and 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 as low risk.
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.

Overview

Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and the institution's leadership are launching a campaign to support this vision. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. The campaign will provide a foundation for critical research to ensure people and nature thrive together, build unparalleled education programs with families and partners, collect the world's most precious objects, document the present while reflecting on the past, and reimagine the visitor experience both in-person and online.

We are bringing the Smithsonian off the National Mall and across the country through dynamic programming and affiliate partnerships, creating access for all. The Smithsonian is also developing two new museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum. These museums will share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our shared understanding of what it means to be American.

The Smithsonian has built a model fundraising organization, driven by talented staff across our many museums and research and cultural centers. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on the future of the Smithsonian and its museums and research centers. There is no better time to join this amazing institution.

Duties And Responsibilities

The writer/editor will research, write, and edit compelling, high-quality communications and marketing materials in all media to advance fundraising priorities, including the upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. The incumbent reports to the Director of Advancement Communications.

Major duties will include:

Writes and edits a variety of communications and marketing materials such as publications, periodicals, white papers, concept papers, fundraising proposals, case statements, annual reports, informational brochures, press releases, newsletters, speeches, cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment letters, video and web content among other pieces. When necessary, writes and edits multiple drafts of white papers or concept papers on short timelines for donors of principal gifts. The subject matter covers a broad range of topics—from art, history, science, culture and education—involving all of the Smithsonian's museums, and programs.
Provides creative and technical advice so that colleagues across the Smithsonian are able to execute clear, compelling and effective visual materials. Oversees assigned projects from concept to product and delivery, collaborating with the director and graphic designers and assisting with approvals. Works closely with the team's graphic designers to produce materials best in class.
Researches and conducts interviews with Smithsonian experts, volunteer leaders and donors, and uses the information to form the foundation of all collateral. Some interviews could be conducted on camera for use in videos.
Sets the standard for using innovative communications and marketing, branding and messaging, based on deep research and understanding of the Smithsonian collection and its work as the world's largest museum, research and education complex. Experience as a writer for cultural institutions or national publications is a plus.

The Advancement Communications + Marketing includes a director, three writers, two designers, a digital manager and production manager. An award-winning team, the team supports Smithsonian leadership and all museums and research centers, producing white papers, concept papers, cases for support, proposals, brochures, videos, magazine-style stories that run in IMPACT and the annual report and more.

Qualification Requirements

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent organizational and time management skills; knowledge of fundraising technique, including proposal writing, public relations, prospect research, donor relations and stewardship, volunteer management and correspondence management; skill in proposal and publication development and print production; skill in writing for a variety of audiences; ability to translate complex technical language and ideas into easily comprehensible language to non-specialists; interpersonal skills; ability to conduct research projects; and skill in a variety of automated systems such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel Spreadsheets and related applications.

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

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Interested candidates should submit their resumes by February 9, 2024. 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. Relocation expenses are not paid.

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.