Development Associate

The Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is seeking a development professional to join a vibrant team ensuring one of the oldest museums in the United States continues to thrive and serve as an important repository for our region's heritage. The Development Associate assists the Director of Development in executing all fundraising initiatives related to individual giving and corporate philanthropy. The Development Associate coordinates AIHA’s membership program.

The Development Associate works with all Development department staff and represents AIHA by participating in community events and activities. This position reports directly to the Director of Development.

Donor Relations responsibilities:

• Ensures all benefits and communications are delivered to donors and members in a timely and appropriate manner
• Assists the Director of Development in managing relationships with institutional funders
• Participates in targeted community engagement opportunities to promote AIHA
• Develops and executes events and activities to steward current members, improve donor retention and cultivate prospective donors
• Contributes department content to the AIHA website as needed/directed
• Coordinates special donor acknowledgement letters, drafting content and ensuring that letters are approved and mailed in a timely manner

Annual Giving and Membership responsibilities:

• Coordinates a minimum of two direct mail appeals each year for the annual fund
• Assists with AIHA’s membership program, including renewals, member acquisition, and retention
• Serves 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
• Works with the Communications Department to coordinate production of fundraising materials.

Database and Prospect Research responsibilities:

• Assists Database Specialist with maintaining donor and corporate prospect files and gift entry
• Tracks development statistics, metrics, and progress to goals
• Provides regular fundraising reports to Museum staff and board, and assist the DOD with ongoing analysis of the fundraising program

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Provides support to the DOD in the planning of two major fundraising events annually
• Assists with the planning exhibit openings and other donor events
• Maintains RSVP lists for all special events, working with other staff as appropriate
• Supports the DOD in maintaining digital and paper records for grants
• Ensures that office supplies and stocks of paper and specialty items (letterhead, pre-printed envelopes, forms, etc.) are maintained
• Troubleshoots equipment (printer, postage meter)
• Serves as primary point of contact with USPO and other mailing/shipping services
• Assists with board support as needed and directed, including the preparation and organization of trustee documents, board and committee meeting minutes, etc.
• Prepare messaging and advocate for department and institutional needs during committee meetings
• Keeps records related to board membership, by-laws, and other board-related documents

Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

• An understanding of the donor cycle and the importance of relationship building

• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Competent computer skills and effective use of digital productivity tools, including Microsoft 365, customer relationship management database (Little Green Light), design tools (Adobe, Canva), and digital marketing tools (website, Constant Contact, Facebook, Instagram), etc.
• Strong professional and business writing skills
• Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and diplomatically with donors, staff, trustees, visitors and other AIHA stakeholders;

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

• Reliable transportation.

Education & Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Associate’s degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2-3 years in development/fundraising or directly related experience desirable