Director, Institutional Giving

Description:

The Museum of the City of New York fosters understanding of the distinctive nature of urban life in the world’s most influential
metropolis. It engages visitors by celebrating, documenting, and interpreting the city’s past, present, and future. Founded in 1923, the
Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) showcases the city’s unique stories and cultural treasures. The country’s first and largest
city museum, MCNY presents immersive exhibitions and programs at the intersection of history, popular culture, and art to 200,000
people annually, including 30,000 students and educators, fostering shared identity, civic pride and engagement, and social cohesion
for New Yorkers. MCNY has been recognized as one of the leading museums in New York City by publications such as Condé Nast
Traveler and the New York Times, with Time Out New York awarding MCNY “Best Museum” in New York in 2021.
The Director of Institutional Giving is an essential member of the Development team that will be responsible for
overseeing all foundation, government, corporate sponsorship, and other institutional funding for the Museum of the City
of New York. This role is responsible for an annual goal of $5-7 million, as well as restricted funding that varies based on
exhibitions and special projects. A key member of the Museum’s senior staff, the Director works cross-departmentally to
identify opportunities and meet funding needs for the Museum’s exhibitions, education programs, public engagement, and
collections, among other areas.
In partnership with the President and CDO, the Director sets annual institutional giving goals and collaborates with senior
leaders throughout the institution to manage and grow existing grants, identify and pursue new funding opportunities,
and build the institutional giving portfolio. This role works closely with the Finance team to manage and report on grants.
This position supervises a full-time grant writer and consultants as needed. This is a full-time, regular position that reports
directly to the Chief Development Officer.
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Create an institutional giving strategy including foundation, corporate, and government (city, state and federal)
sources to identify, cultivate, and secure significant funding for general operating support, exhibitions, education
programs, capital initiatives, and other special projects
• Oversee prospect research to identify potential institutional funding opportunities aligned with the Museum's
strategic priorities
• Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals, comprehensive reports, and detailed funding applications
• Manage a robust portfolio of institutional donors, maintaining strong relationships and providing regular
communication and stewardship
• Collaborate closely with the Museum's leadership, curatorial teams, and development staff to align institutional
fundraising efforts with organizational goals
• Track and analyze funding trends, institutional giving metrics, and potential new funding sources
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive tracking system for institutional grants and funding opportunities
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to institutional funders, including progress reports and financial
documentation
• Represent the Museum at professional conferences, networking events, and funding community gatherings
• Mentor and supervise grant writing and development team members
• Other duties as assigned.
A successful candidate will have:
• Bachelor's degree; master’s degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in institutional fundraising, with a proven track record of securing
grants, preferably in a museum or other cultural setting
• Exceptional writing and proposal development skills
• Excellent organization and time-management skills, ability to track and meet deadlines, and meticulous attention
to detail
• Knowledge of New York City’s cultural funding landscape
• Ability to synthesize information and analyze data to create compelling fundraising narratives and meet funder
interests
• Passion for New York City and appreciation for MCNY’s multi-faceted approach to exploring the city through
history, popular culture, art, and civic engagement
• Curiosity and willingness to delve into multi-disciplinary topics connected with the city
• Strong understanding of fundraising strategies and donor cultivation techniques
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and a passion for advancing equity and addressing structural
racism within nonprofit organizations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to adapt strategies in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Proficiency in grant management software and donor relationship management (CRM) systems
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a complex, mission-driven organization
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Currently, MCNY offers a hybrid work schedule with three days a week onsite (Wednesdays and Thursdays are
mandatory) and two days a week of flexible work when possible. In-person attendance may be required for meetings and
events, even on flexible days. This schedule is subject to approval by supervisors and may change at any time. Weekend
and evening work may be required to support special events as needed.
This role requires being stationary for 50% of the time and navigating office and Museum environments. Proficiency in
operating office equipment and strong visual acuity (close, distance, color, and peripheral vision) is necessary for tasks like
data analysis and computer use. Travel within the five boroughs may be required.
BENEFITS
The annual salary for this position is $110,000+. The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical,
dental, vision, FSA, HSA, life insurance, 401K and a defined benefit pension plan, short and long-term disability, and an
Employee Assistance Program, with options for critical illness insurance, accident insurance, legal services, and pet
insurance. The Museum provides a paid time off policy that includes 15 days of annual leave, rising to 20 days in year 2,
plus 12 sick days per year and 12 holidays. Your employment relationship with the Museum qualifies you for free or
discounted admissions to other participating cultural institutions.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email your resume and cover letter