The New York Studio School, founded in 1964 by artists for artists and located in the historic Greenwich Village building that served as the original home of the Whitney Museum of American Art, is currently seeking an experienced, thoughtful, and effective Director of Development to join a small, dedicated staff at a time of exciting growth.
The Director of Development is a full-time, externally facing position that plays a critical role in advancing a culture of philanthropy to support increased revenue and the School’s organizational and programmatic expansion. The position is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing NYSS fundraising efforts, including strategic communications, institutional and corporate giving, donor relations and engagement, annual campaigns, and special events. The Director of Development will serve as a thought partner for the institution, reporting to the Dean and the Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs and working closely and collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, Development Officer, Bursar, and other staff.
The New York Studio School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, or sexual orientation. The School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Serve as main point of contact for donors and ambassador for the organization
- Work with board and key staff to lead and execute long- and short-term strategic fundraising plans, and to articulate compelling, authentic cases for support
- Build and implement effective prospect research and cultivation plan
- Oversee planning and execution of annual benefit and other events
- Conceive a holistic development-related communications plan
- Oversee calendar of grant deadlines and related reporting
- Oversee preparation of grant proposals and associated reports
- Lead development of alumni engagement initiatives and appeal campaigns
Qualifications/Competencies:
- A minimum of five years results-oriented development experience, ideally within the arts, culture, or educational fields
- Proven track record in implementing fundraising campaigns, securing major gifts, and cultivating individual donors
- Ability to articulate the vision and mission of the New York Studio School
- Diplomatic, collaborative, and solutions-driven
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including proofreading
- Experience managing deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously
- Passion for art and creative thinking
- Demonstrated professional demeanor and ability to handle confidential information
- Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM, and with Excel
This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $75,000 – $90,000, dependent on experience, with room for growth. It includes NYSS’s full benefits package.
Interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume, including contact information for three references, as one PDF document to [email protected]. Please put “Your Name – Director of Development” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Two rounds of interviews are anticipated, to take place in early 2022.
This job description is not designed to cover all duties or responsibilities connected to this role. NYSS hours are Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm, with some evening work and travel. The offices are located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, in a historic building that does not meet ADA compliant standards. The staff is presently working both onsite and remotely.