Development Associate (Principal Gifts and Prospect Research)

The Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York Inc; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Life and Disability insurance

12 Holidays

Access to performances

Job summary

The New York Philharmonic seeks a Development Associate to support Principal Gifts and Prospect Research. You will manage donor records, conduct confidential research, and help prepare proposals, reports, and briefs for prospects.

You will also assist with events, moves management, and donor relations, plus serve as a Patron Lounge representative at performances, with some evenings and weekends required.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of relevant professional experience in fundraising, customer service, administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting administrative, research, data management, or fundraising operations; Tessitura experience is highly valued.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication, 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain donor records and tracking of engagement activity.
• Prepare proposals, reports, confidential internal briefings, and biographical summaries on prospects.
• Assist with events, galas, and donor relations.
• Support moves management and data integrity in donor records.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Data management

Tessitura

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Tessitura

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Development Associate (Principal Gifts and Prospect Research)

Full Time New York, NY, US

Salary: $57,285.00 Annually

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

What You Bring to the Team

Qualifications

• 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

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.

The New York Philharmonic offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to our full-time employees including:

• 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


• 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.