Manager of Institutional Giving and Development

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

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the 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.

The Manager of Institutional Giving and Development is responsible for maintaining a strong base of institutional support by securing grants and sponsorships primarily from foundations, government agencies, and corporations for a range of priorities including financial aid, exhibitions, publications, academic initiatives, research, and general operations. The Manager partners with faculty and relevant staff to identify funding opportunities from government and institutional prospects; develop proposals; manage contracts and oversee all aspects of stewardship. The Manager is Bard Graduate Center’s lead development writer, creating institutional fundraising documents including proposals, case statements, and appeals.  When needed, the Manager will work closely with contracted grant writers.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:                                     

Grant Writing and Management 

Write grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports to foundations and government agencies.

Work with BGC staff and faculty to gather required support materials including budgets, biographies, statistics, press, and publications among other materials.

Maintain database (Raiser’s Edge NXT) and archives of grants submitted and received as well as all interim and final reports.

Establish current and mid-range priorities for grants targeted to institutional needs, priorities, and special projects and those providing support for faculty research and exhibitions.   

Work with Development staff to research and identify potential funding sources for faculty research, publications, academic initiatives, exhibitions, scholarships and operations.  

Facilitate discussions concerning research opportunities and collaborate with faculty and staff to develop areas for potential funding.   

Liaise with Finance Department to develop project budgets. 

Create resources to support faculty and staff with individual research grant submissions.

Accompany BGC representatives on solicitation and stewardship meetings. Prepare and conduct appropriate briefings prior to prospect/institutional interaction. 

Support the work of the Chief Advancement Officer and other development staff as assigned.

Development Writing and Support 

Working closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to draft case statements, proposals, appeals, acknowledgement letters and other written communications that help BGC meet its strategic fundraising goals. 

Work closely with staff throughout the institution to maintain files with updated language for numerous exhibitions and initiatives as well as credit lines.  

Write annual scholarship reports and other stewardship communications. 

Program Management, Oversight and Reporting 

Maintain a portfolio of institutional funders for ongoing cultivation and stewardship.  

Carefully track the progress of projects funded through restricted gifts and endowments ensuring that reporting requirements are met.

Work closely with BGC staff and faculty to ensure that projects are meeting stated goals.

Prepare reports and communications to funders and others.

Prepare an annual plan that delineates financial as well as strategic goals and appropriate metrics; complete an annual program review of results, determine strengths and challenges of the program, and modify plans accordingly.  Prepare monthly progress reports. 

Qualifications:

Excellent writing and editing skills.

Master's degree (or life/professional experience equivalent) in a related discipline.

3 years or more experience in a position that includes writing and fundraising with a successful record of securing grants from government sources as well as major national and international foundations.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Entrepreneurial, strategic, and results oriented

Collaborative team player

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel) and Raiser’s Edge (or similar CRM).  

Preferred Qualifications:

Comfortable with collaboration. Flexible. 

Experience working in a research university or academic department. 

Knowledge of sponsorship policies and procedures as well as business principles governing grants.

Working knowledge of grants.gov and other web-based granting agency technologies, word processing, database (Raisers Edge), spreadsheet, and search engines

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 $75,000 - 85,000 + a generous benefits package.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to DOIG@bgc.bard.edu

Bard College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and follow the guidelines and protocols established to address campus safety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.