Development Assistant

The Paley Center for Media; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paley Center for Media in New York, NY is seeking a Development Assistant to support fundraising, membership, stewardship, and engagement initiatives. This temp-to-perm role reports to the VP, Development and Senior Director, Development and requires an organized, proactive, detail-oriented candidate.

Responsibilities include supporting gala and stewardship events, engaging with members, preparing sponsorship materials and grant proposals, and coordinating e-blasts and membership mailings,

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience as an administrative assistant in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in events, client service, research, public relations, media, or related fields preferred.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with CRM databases and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Support fundraising, membership, stewardship, and engagement initiatives.
• Assist with gala and stewardship events and member engagement.
• Prepare sponsorship materials and grant proposals; coordinate mailings.
• Process renewals, ticket orders, RSVPs, and member services.
• Provide admin support and coordinate interdepartmental communications.

Skills

Administrative support

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Event coordination

CRM databases

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM software

Job description

The Paley Center for Media, the world’s leading nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving and engaging the public in the exploration of the powerful culture-shaping influence of media, is hiring a Development Assistant, reporting to the VP, Development and Senior Director, Development. This temp-to-perm role will support the Development team with fundraising, membership, stewardship, and engagement initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and enjoys working on a variety of projects. Responsibilities include supporting gala and stewardship events, engaging with members, preparing sponsorship materials and grant proposals, coordinating e-blasts and membership mailings.

Responsibilities

• Support the Development team with member and patron engagement, recruitment, and service, with the goal of increasing membership revenue, enhancing member satisfaction, and growing the membership and donor base.
• Assist with stewardship efforts by providing high-level customer service to Paley members at all levels. Process membership renewals and ticket orders, track RSVPs by phone and email, and coordinate member events.
• Conduct timely and accurate donor research on prospects for The Paley Media Council, two annual galas, and an annual luncheon.
• Serve as a welcoming presence at membership tables during public and industry programs and other events by answering questions, assisting current members, and promoting memberships. This may require occasional evening and weekend work.
• Assist with membership renewal efforts through renewal mailings and calling campaigns.
• Provide administrative support, including assembling sponsorship materials and grant proposals, answering phones, managing calendars, preparing event process memos, and ensuring projects stay on schedule.
• Coordinate reconciliations and assist with ongoing communication between the Development and Finance teams.
• Serve as a Paley Ambassador by sharing Paley social media content through personal networks to help expand the organization’s reach and engagement.
• Participate in additional projects and duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Successful employees demonstrate:

• A commitment to excellence in all areas of their work.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Leadership abilities and the capacity to work across departments and teams.
• Excellent verbal communication and business writing skills.
• The ability to take ownership of responsibilities and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A positive, professional demeanor with strong interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills.
• The ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining close attention to detail.
• Resourcefulness, creativity, and strong research and problem-solving abilities.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of experience as an administrative assistant in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in special events, client service, research, public relations, media, or related fields is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, maintain attention to detail, and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond promptly and professionally to internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, live-event, customer-service-oriented environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong work ethic and a preference for in-person collaboration in a high-energy office environment.
• A proactive, energetic team player with strong initiative.
• A confident and welcoming presence, with the ability to interact professionally with members, prospects, donors, and the public in person, by phone, and through written communications.
• Experience working with CRM databases.
• Ability to work flexible hours and overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays when needed.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Paley Center for Media maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.