Development Associate

Shall See Theater; New York (NY); On-site; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit theater organization in New York seeks a Development Associate Internship to enhance fundraising efforts. This role involves grant research, proposal writing, and managing crowdfunding campaigns. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented writers fluent in Mandarin and English, eager to learn about nonprofit fundraising. Candidates will work closely with the Finance Director and gain hands-on experience within the organization. Opportunities for professional growth are available along with the chance to contribute significantly to the theater's mission.

Qualifications

• Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English.
• Excellent written communication and creative writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to nonprofit fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Finance Director on fundraising strategies.
• Research and identify grant opportunities.
• Design and execute crowdfunding campaigns.
• Draft and customize grant proposals.
• Maintain accurate records of submissions and deadlines.

Skills

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English

Excellent written communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Effective time management

Good teamwork and communication skills

Passion for the performing arts

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Development Associate [DEV100]

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Internship

COMPENSATION: Unpaid

START DATE: Immediately upon hire

Position Summary

The Development Associate will play a key role in advancing the theatre’s mission by helping to secure critical funding for productions and programs. Working closely with the Finance Director, the Development Associate will participate in the planning, execution, and assessment of annual fundraising initiatives. This position will focus on grant research, proposal writing, application submission, and the design and management of crowdfunding campaigns. The ideal candidate is a creative and detail-oriented writer, eager to learn and capable of communicating the organization’s unique strengths. The Development Associate will gain hands‑on experience in nonprofit fundraising and will have opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Finance Director to develop, implement, and track annual fundraising strategies aligned with the theatre’s mission and programming needs.

Research and identify suitable grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other funding sources, building and maintaining a calendar of deadlines and requirements.

Design, plan, and help execute crowdfunding campaigns tailored to different productions or initiatives, analyzing past efforts and current trends for maximum impact.

Grant Research & Proposal Development

Conduct thorough background research on potential grant‑makers, analyzing their funding priorities and history to determine strategic fit with the organization’s projects and vision.

Draft, edit, and customize compelling grant proposals, narratives, and supporting documents, ensuring each application reflects the theatre’s unique mission and programmatic strengths.

Complete and submit grant applications, ensuring accuracy, compliance with guidelines, and timely delivery of all required materials.

Impact Measurement & Reporting

Collaborate with relevant teams to collect data and stories that demonstrate program impact, preparing grant reports and stewardship communications for funders as required.

Maintain accurate records of submissions, awards, deadlines, and reporting requirements in an organized system for future reference and audit readiness.

Collaboration & Relationship Building

Partner with the Artistic, Education, and Community Engagement teams to gather information for applications and ensure fundraising messages are aligned with organizational values and program goals.

Support cultivation and stewardship of grantors and donors by preparing updates, acknowledgments, and impact reports as needed.

Innovation & Learning

Stay informed of trends and best practices in arts fundraising, nonprofit grantmaking, and crowdfunding; proactively recommend new approaches to strengthen the organization’s development strategy.

Participate in internal trainings or professional development to build skills in grant writing, research, and fundraising communications.

Qualifications

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Excellent written communication and creative writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for grant and fundraising materials

Strong attention to detail, with a high sense of responsibility and accuracy

Effective time management and multitasking skills, able to meet multiple deadlines

Willingness to learn and adapt to new knowledge and skills, especially in nonprofit fundraising

Good teamwork and communication skills, able to collaborate with colleagues across departments

Passion for the performing arts or a strong interest in nonprofit/social impact work

Previous experience in grant writing, crowdfunding, or copywriting is a plus (not required—training provided)

Please submit your resume and the following required materials using the application form linked below. Click the “Apply Now” button to begin. You are also welcome to include any additional materials that you feel help us better understand your skills, background, or passion—even if they are not specifically requested.

If you have any questions, please email us. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Required Materials: Please provide an academic or professional writing sample.

(Optional) Please provide a cover letter.