Bard Graduate CenterManager of Individual Giving, Alumni Affairs, and Special EventsBard Graduate Center (BGC) invites applications for the Manager of Individual Giving, Alumni Affairs, and Special Events. This is a full-time, on-site position at our campus on West 86th Street in New York City.

Bard Graduate Center is a graduate research institute in New York City dedicated to the study of the cultural history of the material world and committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. Our students gravitate to careers in museums, academia, the art world, and publishing. Our MA and PhD degree programs, gallery exhibitions, research initiatives, and public programs explore new ways of thinking about decorative arts, design history, and material culture.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Manager of Individual Giving, Alumni Affairs and Special Events will take the lead in managing Bard Graduate Center's mid-sized gift program, alumni stewardship initiatives, membership program, and manage development related special events. Responsibilities include organizing exhibition openings, arranging cultivation visits with current and potential donors, and coordinating the annual fundraising efforts. As a key member of BGC's nimble and proactive development team, the incumbent will be instrumental in shaping strategy, fostering relationships, managing student workers and vendors, and implementing best practices to achieve our fundraising objectives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Fundraising

• Lead the mid-sized gift program, devising strategies, overseeing execution, and evaluating outcomes.

• Enhance the effectiveness of fundraising events.

• Manage the membership and patron benefits program.

• Coordinate a calendar of cultivation and stewardship activities.

• Conduct prospect research to expand the donor pool.

Events

• Coordinate and execute various fundraising events, including exhibition openings, donor cultivation events, and annual fundraiser(s).

• Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, such as venue selection, catering, invitations, guest lists, and onsite logistics, as well as vendors.

• Ensure events align with organizational goals and effectively engage donors, alumni, staff, faculty and other key stakeholders.

Development Communications

• Coordinate development communications with BGC’s Marketing, Communications and Design department across various platforms.

• Maintain fundraising materials, including collateral, funding opportunities and donor forms.

Alumni Affairs / Design Professionals Engagement

• Develop and execute alumni affairs initiatives, including an alumni and professional council newsletter, events, and engagement activities.

• Create programs to actively involve other affinity and interest groups.

• Provide support for ongoing board initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising within higher education and/or cultural institutions

• Exceptional writing skills

• Proficiency in multi-platform communications strategies

• Strong planning, organizational, and time management abilities

• Thorough understanding of donor cycles

• Experience in volunteer management and engagement, preferably with alumni

• Proficiency in program reporting and evaluation

• Familiarity with the philanthropic community in New York City

• Willingness to participate in events outside regular work hours

• Proficient in Raiser's Edge (or similar database program), Microsoft Word and Excel, and prospect research software

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for the mission and programs of Bard Graduate Center

• Flexible mindset and ability to collaborate effectively in an entrepreneurial fundraising environment

• Discretion and commitment to maintaining confidentiality

• Commitment to advancing BGC’s goals for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion

We expect the successful candidate to be stronger in some qualifications listed above than others; we are committed to helping our future colleague expand their skills and hope to learn from their areas of strength.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $65,000 – 80,000 + a generous benefits package.

To Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected] .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

AA/EOE