MANAGER OF INDIVIDUAL AND FOUNDATION GIVING, CCS BARD

Bard College seeks a Manager of Individual and Foundation Giving for the Center for Curatorial Studies. This is a full-time, exempt, 12 month per year position which can be divided between New York City and Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, with a combination of remote and in person work schedule possible.

The Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College (CCS Bard) is an exhibition and research center dedicated to the study of art and exhibition practices from the 1960s to the present. CCS Bard is home to one of the world’s leading graduate programs in curatorial practice: the study of historical models for the presentation and reception of art, and the development of new ones. This program is positioned within the larger Center, which includes the Hessel Museum of Art—with its permanent collection of over 3,000 works—and the Center’s Library and Archives. The CCS Bard Library and Archives is one of the foremost contemporary art research collections in the US focusing on post-1960s contemporary art, curatorial practice, exhibition histories, theory, and criticism. Since 1992, CCS Bard has presented more than 60 museum exhibitions, many of which have traveled to institutions around the world. 

Bard College’s main campus is in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y., with 1,900 undergraduate students; the College also includes multiple graduate programs. The 1,000-acre campus sits along the Hudson River and offers the Fisher Performing Arts Center, and Hessel Museum of Art, and is the home of the Bard Prison Initiative, the largest college-degree-granting prison education program in the U.S. The Bard Network also includes several Bard High School Early Colleges across the country as well as international campuses and partnerships. The Bard Network is complex and demonstrates Bard’s priorities well in addition to the College’s emphasis on civic engagement.  

Bard College is a private institution working in the public interest. Bard faculty and staff lead their students by example, building upon the existing network of boundary-breaking programs focused on rethinking who can and should be included in a liberal arts education. The successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.

  • The aim of this new position is to enhance and expand existing fundraising programs and develop new initiatives that encourage individual and foundation giving to CCS Bard and the Hessel Museum of Art.
  • Current programs include the annual gala (Award for Curatorial Excellence), the Bard Arts Council (individual donor group), the Year-End Campaign and the Next Decade Campaign (funded primarily by artist donated artworks and prints) and ongoing foundation support.
  • The Manager of Individual and Foundation Giving works within a fundraising team that includes the Executive Director, the Director of the Graduate Program, the Director of Administration and Development and Administration and Development Coordinator.
  • The Manager of Individual and Foundation Giving reports to the Director of Administration and Development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Work with colleagues to plan engaging programming for the Bard Arts Council (a group of individual donors) as well as other events, leading to new patrons and increased revenue;
  • Expand donor cultivation events within the Center for Curatorial Studies Graduate Program and the Hessel Museum of Art;
  • Increase local participation of potential donors in public events (particularly during the summer months);
  • Oversee the creation, production, and sale of art and art editions to support CCS Bard; 
  • Oversee the Year-End Campaign, including concept, development, and design direction;
  • Maintain an annual development schedule for foundations and work with colleagues to generate new foundation support; 
  • Assist with fundraising events such as the annual Gala and exhibition openings;
  • Conduct research on prospective donors and foundations, in cooperation with the Office of Development and Alumni/ae Affairs, particularly the Office of Prospect Research;
  • Work closely across departments to gain the necessary knowledge of programs to effectively communicate to funders through proposals, reports, meetings, and invitations to events;
  • Ensure proper acknowledgment and stewardship of all donors (in collaboration with the Administration and Development Coordinator);
  • Oversee donor records in Raiser’s Edge (in collaboration with the Administration and Development Coordinator);
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge and experience of contemporary art and fundraising for museum programs; 
  • Strong communication and writing skills (including proof-reading);
  • Ability to effectively communicate with donors and patrons;
  • 2+ years of prior relevant work experience within a museum or educational setting;
  • Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills; 
  • Ability to plan, organize, and project manage concurrent communication campaigns in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; 
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as necessary;
  • Knowledge and interest in the New York City art world essential;
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

  • Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and work in standard office environment
  • Must be able to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed

Please submit a cover letter with desired salary range, resume, and the names of three references through Interfolio.com at: http://apply.interfolio.com/86487

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.  Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.