Development Stewardship Manager

The Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is seeking an individual with the development experience necessary to become part of a vibrant team of professionals working to ensure that one of the oldest museums in the United States continues to thrive and serve as an important repository for the region's heritage. The Development Stewardship Manager will hold a key position, working closely with the Director of Development (DOD) to execute fundraising programs designed for individual donors, corporate giving, foundation and government grants, and special events. The Development Stewardship Manager is responsible for overseeing the museum’s membership program. Working closely with the DOD, the Development Stewardship Manager will focus on delivering benefits to major donors and members, as well as developing strategies and providing analyses to ensure contributed income goals are met annually.

This position reports directly to the Director of Development, may oversee administrative employees, volunteers and interns, and works collaboratively with Communications, Finance, Visitor Services, Curatorial, and Education Departments.

To be successful as part of a museum-wide team, the Development Stewardship Manager will develop an understanding of the mission as expressed through its curatorial and education programs, research projects, and other programs that provide the rationale for fundraising and Development Department efforts.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donor Relations and Stewardship:

• Ensure all benefits and communications are delivered to donors in a timely and appropriate manner
• Work with Database Specialist to flag donations that may need additional attention from the DOD or Executive Director based on prior giving or potential for a larger gift
• Suggest strategies for strengthening relationships with top donors to move them toward an increased gift

Board Liaison:

• Working with the Executive Director, coordinate Board meetings and communications with Board members
• Take minutes at Board meetings
• Attend committee meetings as requested by the Executive Director
• Keep records related to Board membership, by-laws, and other Board related documents

Annual Giving and Membership:

• Work with the Database Specialist to coordinate a minimum of two direct mail appeals each year for the annual fund, suggesting strategies to increase yield year over year
• Manage tasks related to AIHA’s membership program, including renewals, member acquisition, and retention
• Serve as primary contact and relationship manager for Empire State Reciprocal Program (ESRP), North American Reciprocal Program (NARM), and the regional library systems for the Library Membership program
• Partner with the Communications Department to develop collateral for membership and fundraising campaigns

Events:

• Provide support to the DOD and Special Events Manager in the planning of two major fundraising events annually
• Work with Special Events Manager to assist with the planning and management of exhibition openings and other donor/member events
• Be part of a museum-wide team at events

Database Management and Prospect Research:

• Ensure that donor records are updated regularly with current address and biographical information
• Conduct basic research on donors under the guidance of the DOD

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Assist with the maintenance donor files
• Complete other administrative duties as assigned

 

Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Direct, demonstrated experience implementing or managing a membership or annual fund program
• An understanding of the donor cycle and the importance of relationship-building
• Contribute to a positive team and organizational culture and support the mission and values of AIHA
• Experience working in a museum a plus
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Proficiency with CRM and/or fundraising software, ideally Little Green Light or a comparable platform

• Competency with digital productivity tools, including Microsoft 365 (especially Word and Excel), design tools (Adobe, Canva), and digital marketing tools (website, Constant Contact, Facebook, Instagram), etc.

• Availability to work full-time hours (~35 per week) onsite, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with flexibility for off-hours events and assignments as needed

• Reliable transportation

 

Education & Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5-7 years of non-profit fundraising experience required; 1+ year of business operations experience preferred

 

Working Conditions and Environmental Factors:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee will experience on the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is working in office and/or client settings and may be exposed to items such as but not limited to toner, office equipment, dust, low noise levels. Position is required to drive a vehicle to conduct business as needed and therefore, will be exposed to all types of weather conditions.

 

Mental and Physical Demands:

• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
• Required to talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms
• Dexterity to write and operate standard office machines and other office and/or presentation-related equipment, as required
• Able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Able to perform the essential job functions consistently safely and successfully with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Able to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.

 

ABOUT THE ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART

Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York’s oldest museum. Its collections document the Hudson Valley as a crossroads of culture, influencing the art and history of the region, the state, and the nation. With more than 35,000 objects and one million documents in the library, it is an important resource for the region, giving our community a sense of the part the Hudson Valley played in the American story and our own place in history. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are open year-round and create a sense of place, allowing visitors to meet the people who helped shape this region. Among the museum’s best-known collections are the nineteenth-century Hudson River School landscape paintings by artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Church.

The Albany Institute of History & Art is an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute embraces diversity in thought, background and experience and insists on equal employment opportunities for all applicants. We ensure that all employment opportunities are provided to qualified individuals irrespective of race, traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), creed, color, national origin, ancestry/place of birth, citizenship/immigration status, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), height, weight, reproductive health decision making, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, stalking, or sex offense victim status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. AIHA also does not unlawfully discriminate against applicants or employees based upon arrest or conviction records. All such discrimination is unlawful, and all persons involved in the operations of AIHA are prohibited from engaging in this type of conduct.

The museum offers a comprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, paid sick and vacation time as well as access to a long-term pension program.

 

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Position open until filled. No phone calls please.