Development Associate (Principal Gifts and Prospect Research)

New York Philharmonic; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) plan

Life and disability insurance

Paid holidays

Generous vacation

Access to performances

Job summary

The New York Philharmonic seeks a Development Associate to support the Prospect Research & Management and Principal Gifts teams. You will help maintain donor records, manage data, and assist with proposals, reports, and event materials.

Ideal candidates have 1+ year in fundraising or related operations, experience with Tessitura, and strong communication skills. This is a hybrid role with some evening/weekend commitments as needed.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of fundraising, administration, or data management experience.
• Experience with donor records, research, or moves management.
• Experience with Tessitura or similar donor CRM is highly valued.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain donor records and track engagement activity for moves management.
• Keep Tessitura records up to date and enrich donor/prospect profiles.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and confidential briefings on prospects.
• Assemble materials for galas and events (dinners, receptions, tours).
• Maintain project management systems to track research requests and approvals.
• Process department invoices as needed.
• Represent the Patron Lounge and assist with guest relations at events.
• Contribute to an inclusive and collaborative workplace.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising operations

Data management

Tessitura experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Tessitura database

Job description

About The New York Philharmonic

The New York Philharmonic connects with millions of music lovers each season through live concerts in New York and around the world, as well as broadcasts, recordings, and education programs. After returning to a transformed David Geffen Hall in 2022, the Orchestra is acting on a renewed commitment to building on a legacy of more than 180 years, serving as a platform for today’s greatest musical artists and connecting with our communities. Gustavo Dudamel will become the Philharmonic’s Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director in the 2026–27 season.

About The Role

The New York Philharmonic seeks a Development Associate to join its Development team, providing administrative, operational, and data management support to the Prospect Research & Management and Principal Gifts teams. This role helps maintain data integrity, support fundraising operations, facilitate effective communication, and ensure the seamless coordination of team priorities and activities.

The position works with donor and prospect information, confidential research materials, fundraising proposals and reports, and cross-team project tracking. The role also supports select donor events and serves as a Patron Lounge representative at designated performances, with occasional evening and weekend commitments as needed.

Your Day-to-Day

• Support Principal Gifts and Prospect Research & Management operations by maintaining donor records, tracking engagement activity, and assisting with moves management
• Maintain accurate Tessitura records and research or add contact information to donor and prospect records
• Help prepare proposals, reports, confidential internal briefings, and biographical summaries on prospects
• Assemble preparatory materials for annual galas and other select events, including dinners, receptions, and tours
• Maintain project management systems to track research requests and approval updates
• Process department invoices as needed
• Serve as a Patron Lounge representative at designated performances and assist with guest relations for galas and special events
• Contribute to an inclusive and collaborative working environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

What You Bring to the Team

• 1+ year of relevant professional experience in fundraising, customer service, administration, or a related field
• Experience supporting administrative, research, data management, or fundraising operations; database or Tessitura experience is highly valued
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, computer proficiency, and comfort working with data and confidential information
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a season-driven environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while adapting to shifting needs

Who You Are

• Organized and detail-focused
• Discreet and thoughtful when handling confidential information
• Comfortable working with data, research, and donor records
• Collaborative, proactive, and reliable
• Committed to contributing to an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs

Compensation & Work Arrangement

Salary: $57,285

This position operates in a hybrid work environment. Candidates should expect a regular in-office presence, particularly during the first several months, to support onboarding, relationship building, and operational integration. Ongoing hybrid flexibility is available based on role responsibilities and organizational needs.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage from Day 1
• Employer contributions to the 403(b) plan after one year of employment
• Employer-paid Life and Disability insurance
• 12 Holidays
• Competitive vacation benefits
• Access to world-class performances and events

Everyone Belongs Here

The New York Philharmonic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, immigration or citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, marital and partnership status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran or active military service member or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its employment policies.