Director of Advancement

AIA New York | Center for Architecture; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Summer Fridays

Year-end time off

Job summary

AIA New York | Center for Architecture seeks a strategic, entrepreneurial Director of Advancement to lead revenue development across corporate sponsorships, foundations, government support, and individual giving.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the role will shape partnerships, board engagement, and program alignment, driving sustainable funding while strengthening public visibility in New York.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive advancement, development, or fundraising experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated success growing contributed revenue through individual giving, sponsorships, foundations, or major fundraising initiatives
• Experience managing donor relationships, fundraising campaigns, and strategic partnerships
• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience developing high‑performing teams
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills
• Experience working with boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead an organization-wide advancement and revenue-development strategy, with particular emphasis on corporate and institutional support, sponsorship, and strategic partnerships
• Identify, develop, and test new revenue opportunities across AIANY and the Center for Architecture’s programs, audiences, events, exhibitions, educational initiatives, communications platforms, and institutional relationships
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of corporate partners and sponsors, developing relationships that extend beyond transactional or event-based sponsorship
• Develop customized partnership opportunities that connect corporate and institutional priorities with the organizations’ mission, programs, audiences, expertise, and visibility
• Partner with program and senior leadership to assess the revenue potential of new and existing initiatives and develop appropriate funding and partnership models
• Expand corporate sponsorship and partnership support for key institutional initiatives, including Archtober, Learning & Engagement programs, Exhibitions, and other mission-driven programs
• Oversee foundation and government fundraising strategy, working closely with the Grants Manager to identify opportunities and develop compelling institutional proposals
• Oversee individual giving and major gifts strategy, ensuring effective cultivation and stewardship while identifying opportunities for sustainable growth
• Lead the continued evolution of fundraising events as one component of a diversified advancement strategy, with an emphasis on expanding revenue sources beyond event-driven fundraising
• Partner with the Executive Director on high-level cultivation, solicitation, business development, and strategic partnership opportunities
• Manage and mentor the Development team, including two full-time Development Managers and one part‑time Grants Manager
• Establish and track revenue goals, pipelines, forecasts, and performance across advancement activities, evaluating results and adjusting strategies as appropriate

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic thinking

Communication

Relationship management

Board relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY), established in 1857, is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects, with over 5,500 members including architects, allied professionals, students, and design enthusiasts. In partnership with the Center for Architecture, it serves as a cultural hub for architecture and urbanism in New York City, offering exhibitions, public programs, and design education. The Center for Architecture hosts the annual Archtober festival and fosters collaboration among design, development, and policy sectors. Together, AIANY and the Center aim to promote design excellence, expand public knowledge, and inspire innovation in the built environment.

Position Overview

AIA New York and the Center for Architecture seek a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven Director of Advancement to lead the organizations’ advancement, partnership, and revenue-development strategy. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Director will identify and grow revenue opportunities across corporate sponsorship and partnerships, foundation and government support, individual philanthropy, special initiatives, and other emerging opportunities.

This is a broad and entrepreneurial advancement role. The Director will work across the organizations’ programs, audiences, relationships, communications platforms, and institutional assets to identify new opportunities for revenue and partnership, while strengthening existing sources of contributed support. Particular emphasis will be placed on expanding corporate and institutional relationships and developing sustainable revenue models that extend beyond traditional fundraising events.

The Director will also play a central role in Board relations and development and will partner closely with the Communications and Marketing team to strengthen institutional visibility, articulate the value of the organizations’ work to external audiences, and develop compelling opportunities for partners and supporters.

The ideal candidate is a strategic generalist who combines strong relationship-building and fundraising skills with business-development instincts, creativity, and an ability to recognize opportunities across different areas of an organization. They will be comfortable moving between high-level strategy and execution, building relationships across sectors, engaging Board and volunteer leadership, and working collaboratively across departments to translate ideas and relationships into sustainable sources of support.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Lead an organization-wide advancement and revenue-development strategy, with particular emphasis on corporate and institutional support, sponsorship, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify, develop, and test new revenue opportunities across AIA New York and the Center for Architecture’s programs, audiences, events, exhibitions, educational initiatives, communications platforms, and institutional relationships.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of corporate partners and sponsors, developing relationships that extend beyond transactional or event-based sponsorship.
• Develop customized partnership opportunities that connect corporate and institutional priorities with the organizations’ mission, programs, audiences, expertise, and visibility.
• Partner with program and senior leadership to assess the revenue potential of new and existing initiatives and develop appropriate funding and partnership models.
• Expand corporate sponsorship and partnership support for key institutional initiatives, including Archtober, Learning & Engagement programs, Exhibitions, and other mission-driven programs.
• Oversee foundation and government fundraising strategy, working closely with the Grants Manager to identify opportunities and develop compelling institutional proposals.
• Oversee individual giving and major gifts strategy, ensuring effective cultivation and stewardship while identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Lead the continued evolution of fundraising events as one component of a diversified advancement strategy, with an emphasis on expanding revenue sources beyond event-driven fundraising.
• Partner with the Executive Director on high-level cultivation, solicitation, business development, and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Manage and mentor the Development team, including two full-time Development Managers and one part‑time Grants Manager.
• Establish and track revenue goals, pipelines, forecasts, and performance across advancement activities, evaluating results and adjusting strategies as appropriate.

Communications, Marketing & External Engagement

• Partner closely with the Communications and Marketing team to develop strategies that strengthen institutional visibility, audience engagement, partnership opportunities, and revenue generation.
• Ensure alignment between advancement priorities and organizational communications, including positioning programs and initiatives effectively for corporate, institutional, philanthropic, and public audiences.
• Collaborate on the development of sponsorship materials, institutional messaging, campaigns, and other communications that support revenue and partnership goals.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AIA New York and the Center for Architecture’s brand, audiences, programs, communications platforms, expertise, and convening power to create value for partners and supporters.
• Build and maintain relationships with institutional, corporate, civic, cultural, philanthropic, and community partners that advance organizational visibility, impact, and sustainability.
• Serve as a senior ambassador for AIA New York and the Center for Architecture within the architecture, design, real estate, cultural, corporate, philanthropic, and civic communities.

Board Relations & Leadership

• Serve as a key staff liaison to the Center for Architecture Board, working closely with the Executive Director and Board leadership on institutional strategy, advancement, partnerships, and Board engagement.
• Lead and coordinate Board committee activities related to fundraising, advancement, and institutional development.
• Develop meaningful opportunities for Board members to participate in relationship-building, fundraising, sponsorship development, and institutional partnerships.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board leadership on Board development, including identifying and cultivating prospective Board members and volunteer leaders who can expand the organizations’ networks, expertise, and capacity.
• Equip Board members and other volunteer leaders with the information, materials, and strategies needed to serve effectively as ambassadors for the organizations.
• Foster strong relationships with Board members and other key stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and engagement around organizational priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive advancement, development, or fundraising experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated success growing contributed revenue through individual giving, sponsorships, foundations, or major fundraising initiatives
• Experience managing donor relationships, fundraising campaigns, and strategic partnerships
• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience developing high‑performing teams
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills
• Experience working with boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

Additional Information

Location: This is a predominantly in person role, with some remote work possible (up to approx. 2 days per week, depending on event and programmatic needs on site)

FLSA Classification: Full‑Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000

Position Reports to: Executive Director

Benefits: We offer a competitive benefits package including low or zero cost health, dental and vision insurance options, 3% 401k match, 15 days PTO per year in your first five years (20 days after five years), 10 paid holidays, Summer Fridays, and the last week of the year off.

Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 30 lbs.). Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking.

AIANY and the Center for Architecture is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.