Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving Programs (AGP), and working collaboratively with various members of the DAE team and academic partners across the University, the Assistant Director of Development is a key member of The New School’s frontline fundraising effort. This position oversees The New School’s numerous annual giving programs and giving societies, and engages, qualifies, solicits, and stewards potential supporters who appear to have the capacity to give unrestricted gifts of $1,000+ annually. The incumbent is responsible for securing donations from parents, alumni, and friends of The New School across all schools, centers and programs, and also for identifying 20+ new potential supporters of $100,000+ gifts each year.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.

• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 donors and potential supporters including alumni, parents, and friends to secure leadership gifts of $1,000+ a year, mainly for the various Annual Funds and other current operating needs.
• Schedule and execute on at least 150 interactions annually to qualify, cultivate, solicit, renew, and steward gifts, and to discover new potential supporters capable of making gifts of $100,000+ including bequest intentions.
• Develop and execute on strategies for leadership recruitment, cultivation and stewardship of giving societies such as the President’s Circle and New Society.
• Work with Prospect Development and Research colleagues to identify annually at least 20 new potential leadership donors, particularly among New School parents; work with development colleagues to consider formation of a Parents Council
• Work with Director of Annual Giving Programs and other leaders to determine leadership giving goals and appropriate benchmarks for measuring progress
• Work with senior fundraisers and academic partners to engage high-level donors in the mission and activities of The New School.
• Other duties as assigned.

The New School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promises diversity and tolerance in all areas of employment, education and access to its educational, artistic or cultural programs and activities. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex or gender (including actual or perceived gender identity or expression or transgender status), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, religion, religious practices, mental or physical disability, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three to five years of experience working in frontline fundraising, preferably at a university or cultural institution.
• Experience building relationships and soliciting gifts from individuals.
• Highly motivated with the ability to meet ambitious annual fundraising goals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• An entrepreneurial disposition with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• A strong work ethic and integrity.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of multiple teams.
• Some travel and weekend work is required.
• Ability to adhere to university COVID-19 policy and requirements