Associate Director of Development

Associate Director of Development

About the Academy The New York Academy of Art is a graduate school that stands at the intersection of rigorous technical mastery with contemporary artistic discourse. Founded in 1982, the Academy is a vibrant community of artists and scholars dedicated to advancing and sustaining the dialogue between tradition and innovation in artist practice.

The Opportunity The Academy seeks a motivated and resourceful Associate Director of Development to play a key role in managing and expanding the institution’s fundraising efforts. Reporting to the President, this position supports all aspects of development — from donor relations and events to grants and communications — while helping to strengthen the Academy’s culture of philanthropy.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an energetic, detail-oriented, and collaborative development professional eager to grow within a mission-driven arts organization and work directly with senior leadership, trustees, and artists.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

· Partner with the President and development team to implement annual fundraising strategies across individual giving, events, and institutional support.

· Help cultivate and steward relationships with trustees, donors, and prospects.

· Support the solicitation and tracking of annual gifts, sponsorships, and event contributions.

· Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

Events & Engagement

· Help plan and execute the Academy’s major fundraising events — Tribeca Ball, Take Home a Nude, and Deck the Walls — and assist with smaller cultivation gatherings.

· Coordinate trustee participation in events, including table sales and sponsorships.

· Oversee student and volunteer engagement in support of development activities.

Grants & Institutional Giving

· Research, write, and manage proposals to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

· Track proposal deadlines and reporting requirements; maintain accurate records of submissions and awards.

· Monitor trends and opportunities in institutional philanthropy relevant to the Academy’s mission.

Board & Committee Relations

· Serve as staff liaison to the Chair of the Development Committee, helping to plan and organize meetings held prior to each of the Academy’s three annual Board meetings.

· Prepare reports and materials for Board and committee review; ensure effective follow-up and communication.

Administration & Teamwork

· Oversee development operations including donor acknowledgment, database management, and reporting.

· Collaborate across departments — especially academic affairs, communications, and special events — to align messaging and outreach.

· Support and mentor junior development staff or interns as appropriate.

Qualifications

· 5–7 years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in the arts, higher education, or nonprofit sector.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills; proven success in grant writing and donor communications.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with professionalism and attention to detail.

· Hands-on experience coordinating fundraising events and campaigns.

· Comfort working directly with trustees, senior staff, and donors.

· Familiarity with donor database systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar).

· Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or relevant arts background preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $110,000–$140,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement matching contributions.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Grant proposal writing: 2 years (Preferred)
• development: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10013 (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10013