Development Operations Manager

Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Bard Graduate Center invites applications for a Development Operations Manager, responsible for overseeing donor database management, gift processing, and development communications. This full-time, onsite position requires a bachelor's degree, strong technical skills, and at least three years of relevant experience in fundraising or donor relations. The successful candidate will contribute to the cultural history of decorative arts and design.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, advancement services, or donor relations, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural/educational institution.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee BGC’s donor database and manage gift processing.
• Draft and distribute development communications like acknowledgment letters.
• Support planning and execution of key donor and alumni events.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Technical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture provided pay range

This range is provided by Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$70,000.00/yr - $73,500.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture

Bard Graduate Center (BGC) invites applications forDevelopment Operations Manager. This is a full-time, on-site position at our campus on West 86th Street in New York City.

The Bard Graduate Center is a graduate research institute in New York City dedicated to the study of the cultural history of the material world and committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. Our students gravitate to careers in museums, academia, the art world, and publishing.Our MA and PhD degree programs, gallery exhibitions, research initiatives, and public programs explore new ways of thinking about decorative arts, design history, and material culture.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer and collaborating closely with the department’s Grants team, the Development Operations Manager plays a key role in overseeing BGC’s donor database (Raiser’s Edge NXT), managing all aspects of gift processing and acknowledgments, coordinating development communications and appeals to individuals, foundations, and corporations, and supporting patron engagement activities. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical skills, excellent judgment, and a passion for the behind-the-scenes work that drives fundraising success. This person will also support Development events for various stakeholder communities: patrons, alumni, and others.

Primary Responsibilities:

Database & Gift Management

• Serve as BGC’s primary administrator for Raiser’s Edge NXT and related systems, ensuring accurate gift entry, donor records, queries, lists, and reporting.
• Oversee all gift processing (credit card, check, wire, in-kind), including timely acknowledgments and reconciliation with the Finance Office and Bard College.
• Ensure the integrity, security, and consistency of donor data, and maintain internal protocols and manuals for database use.
• Manage the importing/exporting of data across platforms (e.g., MailChimp, ticketing platforms), and liaise with BGC’s tech team, Marketing team, and vendors as needed.

Donor & Board Communications

• Draft, personalize, and distribute acknowledgment letters, renewal notices, annual fund appeals, and targeted mailings
• Create and maintain mailing lists and segmentation for development communications and campaigns.
• Generate and distribute dedicated board material three times per year in preparation for board meetings.
• Coordinate ongoing communication with BGC board, alumni, and members, including sharing institutional news.

Development Operations & Administration

• Track development department spending and process invoices and reimbursements.
• Maintain organized digital and physical donor files, prospect materials, and promotional collateral.
• Support prospect research and briefings in collaboration with our grants team from Advance NYC and frontline fundraisers.

Events & Engagement Support

• Assist with planning and execution of key donor and alumni events including the Iris Foundation Awards, exhibition openings, and cultivation events.
• Oversee invitation lists, RSVPs, and event communications in partnership with development colleagues.
• Support stewardship and benefit fulfillment for members, small and mid-sized donors, and sponsors.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, advancement services, or donor relations, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural/educational institution.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Availability to work occasional evenings or weekends in support of events.

Preferred:

• Prior experience supporting board engagement or senior leadership.
• Career interest in fundraising operations within the arts or higher education.

We expect the successful candidate to be stronger in some qualifications listed above than others; we are committed to helping our future colleagues expand their skills and hope to learn from their areas of strength.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $73,500 + a generous benefits package.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to [e-mail]

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

• Bard College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Higher Education

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