OPEN DATE: May 14, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 22, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
 
Position sensitivity and risk:
Low Risk Non-Sensitive
 
Open to all qualified applicants
 
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). 

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 have launched 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 Office of Advancement (OA) oversees and guides the fundraising efforts of the entire Smithsonian and is home to the central development organization for the Institution. In addition to raising significant support for a variety of Smithsonian initiatives, the OA provides support services to advancement offices across the Institution. The office engages with staff throughout the Smithsonian in accomplishing their goals. 

The Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Advancement seeks an experienced gift registrar. The Manager Gift Registration leads gift management operations for a major advancement program, overseeing the intake, review, and processing of pledged, planned, and received gifts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational and regulatory standards. Conducts triage on gift purpose, allocations, and documentation; manages banking and deposit activities across multiple giving platforms; and provides guidance to staff on proper gift processing procedures. Oversees workflow for gift registration, supports audits, and liaises with internal teams on estate gifts, agreements, and reconciliation issues. Plays a central role in CRM transition efforts by managing data flow, validation, and system enhancements, while developing and delivering training programs for staff. Additionally, supports policy development, facilitates cross-functional coordination, and supervises a small team, including hiring, performance management, and daily work prioritization.

A minimum of five years of experience with strong knowledge of gift processing, financial systems, and nonprofit advancement operations, along with familiarity with compliance standards such as IRS, CASE, and NACUBO guidelines. Demonstrates expertise in CRM systems, data validation, and workflow management, with the ability to lead system transitions and train diverse stakeholders. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as attention to detail in handling financial transactions and documentation. Effective communication and leadership abilities are needed to guide staff, collaborate across teams, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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: Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter by May 22, 2026. 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. 

 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.