Development Associate

About The Shed

The Shed is a cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan's west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent non-profit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.

About the Position

The Shed seeks a Development Associate to join its Development team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Donor Services, the Development Associate will play a critical role in The Shed's day-to-day fundraising operations. The successful candidate must possess sound decision-making skills, flexibility, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit. This is a wonderful opportunity to help a major new player on the cultural scene achieve its fundraising ambitions, with potential for professional development and growth.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

Fundraising Operations

• Lead on contribution entry, accurately processing pledges, payments, and adjustments in the database, maintaining income reporting, and regularly reconciling with Finance department
• Manage the creation and delivery of gift acknowledgments and payment reminders 
• Provide integral data support within the Tessitura database, including donor record creation and upkeep and list pulls
• Maintain the department's electronic filing systems including uploading of pertinent acknowledgments, correspondence, and back-up documentation 
• Maintain accurate donor listings and approve donor recognition on public-facing materials
• Act as a liaison on all levels with both internal and external departments and contacts
• Attend donor events and perform special projects and other duties as assigned

Administration

• Provide administrative support to the Development team including scheduling meetings, creating briefing materials, performing ongoing research and prospecting, and event support
• Manage fundraising calendar of deliverables and donor stewardship touchpoints
• Project manage departmental initiatives to ensure deadlines are met, including any meeting follow ups, requests for information, projects, etc.
• Process and track invoices, consultant and vendor contracts, and departmental expense reimbursements

Qualifications and Qualities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording information
• Excellent time management, task prioritization, and efficiency
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, effectively, and discreetly with colleagues and donors 
• Ability to multitask, and to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Ability and eagerness to work collaboratively as part of a highly motivated, energetic team in a growing organization 
• Ability and willingness to work nights and weekends, as needed
• Experience working in Tessitura preferred, Raiser's Edge or Salesforce also applicable
• Excellent computer skills necessary, including Excel, Word, Office, and Google Workspace
• Comfort in a new, rapidly growing organization that is in the process of developing policies, procedures, and fundraising goals
• Interest in arts and culture is a plus

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $63,000 annually. Compensation is commensurate with experience. 

Schedule

The Shed is a hybrid workplace where staff work three days a week in-person, two days a week remotely.

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete an application and submit a résumé and cover letter in a Word or PDF document saved as the candidate's first and last name through our Career Center. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. 

The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.