Director of Institutional Giving

New-York Historical Society, a preeminent educational and research institution, is home to both New York City’s oldest museum and to one of the nation’s most distinguished independent research libraries. N-YHS is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and public programs and fostering research that reveals the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, its holdings cover four centuries of American history and include one of the world’s greatest collections of books, manuscripts, graphic materials, historical artifacts, and American art documenting the history of the United States as seen through the prism of New York.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The New-York Historical Society seeks a Director of Institutional Giving responsible for leading corporate, foundation, and government fundraising strategy with the goal of meeting ambitious annual targets through the cultivation of new funding sources and the renewal of existing support. Working closely with the VP for Development, the Director of Institutional Giving is a front-line fundraiser who is also responsible for directing a comprehensive funder stewardship program that includes donor engagement, corporate activation opportunities, and the institution’s crediting/recognition program.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Oversee the process of identifying and researching prospective corporate and foundation supporters for operational projects including the organization’s expansive K-12 education program, museum exhibitions, live and virtual programming, and a range of other projects
• Manage a portfolio of 75+ existing corporate and foundation supporters, securing a high rate of renewal support and meeting annual revenue goals
• Lead the development of new proposals for a wide range of projects and programs
• Design and execute high-value corporate sponsorships and activation opportunities
• Oversee and expand New-York Historical’s Corporate Member program
• Prepare the Vice President for Development, President/CEO, trustees, and self for high-level solicitation meetings
• Oversee the process of identifying and securing renewed and new funding from local, state, and federal agencies, including but not limited to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts, Empire State Development, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services
• Serve as primary staff liaison with New-York Historical’s lobbying firm to develop and execute local engagement strategy for elected and appointed officials
• Proactively engage corporate, foundation, and government contacts in live and virtual site visits to educational programming, exhibitions, and collections viewing
• Ensure regular, strong communications with institutional giving contacts about New-York Historical’s activities and programming
• Lead New-York Historical’s institution-wide donor crediting initiatives, ensuring support is appropriately recognized throughout the museum, in all print and digital collateral, on virtual programming and during in-person programming, and in all other possible formats
• Ensure New-York Historical remains in good standing with all government vendor registries and contractor and grantee databases in partnership with the Finance Office and Legal Office
• Support the Finance Office in the processes of annual financial reporting and tax filings
• Ensure the submission of timely and well-executed programmatic and financial reporting
• Manage two direct reports
• Additional duties as requested

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience with direct cultivation and solicitation of corporate and foundation grants
• Experience securing support from local, state, and federal agencies
• Experience writing complex grant proposals to secure gifts of five to seven figures
• Experience developing and delivering high-value sponsorships and corporate activation opportunities
• Experience with managing prospect research and donor stewardship
• Experience supervising multiple staff positions
• Experience overseeing donor events of various sizes and formats
• Experience collaborating with colleagues across multiple departments to ensure favorable grant and program outcomes
• Superior written and oral communications skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced fundraising environment
• BA or equivalent

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

This is largely a sedentary role using a computer; however, some filing is required.  This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stoop as necessary.

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer