Special Events Planner Jobs

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the Smithsonian’s.
history as we prepare for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. This
ambitious fundraising campaign’s public phase will run from 2024 to 2026,
culminating with the nation’s 250th anniversary. It will expand the
Smithsonian’s reach and impact, empowering the institution to find solutions to
today’s most pressing challenges. The Smithsonian is also planning two exciting new museums. The
National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
share the experiences and perspectives of Latinos and women across history and deepen our
shared understanding of what it means to be an American. 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.
About The Special Events Planner
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has an immediate opening for an experienced special
events candidate for a leadership position that will manage all special events
at the Hirshhorn including two annual galas, exhibition openings, cultivation
events, and external events. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing,
and implementing all events. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for a
variety of donor communications including writing letters on behalf of the Director,
event invitations and program calendars, remarks for events, briefings, and
website content updates.
Successful Candidates Will Have

• At least four years of demonstrated experience in planning and

executing special events, preferably at a museum or cultural institution.
Experience at an art museum is desired.

• Demonstrated experience with gala event planning and fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience with designing and writing materials in

support of fundraising.

• Successful experience in meeting aggressive revenue goals.
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Under
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to easily change writing styles to fit the author, audience, and voice of the piece.

About the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and Smithsonian Institution
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture
and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. We seek
to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences
at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal
experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We enhance
public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition,
exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research.
The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 22 museums and galleries, the
National Zoo, and eight research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is
dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Its exhibitions,
programs, collections, and outreach touch the lives of millions of Americans
every year, as well as many who visit us from abroad.
Benefits And Application Instructions
The Smithsonian Institution offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of
benefits. This is not a federal position but has similar requirements and
benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter
to [email protected] by May 12, 2023. Please include the position title in your e-mail
subject line. 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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe
that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural,
and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life
and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO
program information.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to
applicants where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation
should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. 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.