The Shed is a new cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Shed seeks a full-time Foundation and Government Support Associate to join its growing fundraising team. Reporting to the Director of Leadership Giving, the Foundation and Government Support Associate will play an essential role in maintaining and growing a robust portfolio of foundation and government funders to support The Shed’s commissions and programs. The Foundation and Government Support Associate will write letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports to foundations and government agencies, prepare meeting briefings, conduct prospect research, manage the grants calendar, handle ticket requests, and support other fundraising activities as needed.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer who enjoys communicating about The Shed and its mission and programs with clarity, concision, and an understanding of the reader’s interests and priorities. Some grant-writing and project management experience is preferred; the ability to be flexible and nimble in a new organization with a high profile, tight deadlines, and evolving systems is a must. This is a wonderful opportunity to help a major new player on the cultural scene achieve its ambitions, with real potential for professional development and growth.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

-Draft proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, acknowledgment letters, and other correspondence to new and existing foundation and government funders as appropriate, and circulate for edits and approvals to Director of Leadership Giving and other relevant program leads and department heads

-Prepare supporting documentation for proposals, letters of inquiry, and grant reports

-Identify and prepare research briefs on existing and prospective foundation and government funders

-Monitor and update foundation and government fundraising calendar and all related tracking documents

-Work with Development Operations team on the development and refinement of processes and procedures, including the tracking of grants and activities in Tessitura, The Shed’s fundraising and ticketing database

-Manage foundation and government recognition on signage, printed materials, web/mobile, and other relevant platforms

-Assist in cultivation and stewardship of foundation and government supporters and prospects, including the scheduling of meetings, preparation of meeting briefings, and active participation in donor appreciation activities, site visits, and events

-Work with the Director of Leadership Support and Chief Development Officer on other development communications as needed, including updates to The Shed’s board of directors and remarks for fundraising events

-Monitor foundation and philanthropy news, including RFPs, foundation press releases, website updates and announcements, and trends in institutional giving

Qualifications and Qualities

-Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required

-Two to three years or more of nonprofit fundraising experience, preferably at an arts or cultural institution

-Experience with grant-writing, grant research tools, and using a fundraising database strongly preferred

-Appetite for learning to create, manage, and report on grant budgets

-Outstanding creative and critical thinking, writing, editing, communication, and interpersonal skills

-Strong ability to translate others’ input into compelling narratives

-Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills

-Equally at ease working collaboratively and independently

-Comfort in a new, rapidly growing organization that is in the process of developing policies, procedures, and fundraising goals

-Enthusiasm for The Shed’s mission

-Demonstrated interest in and appreciation for the arts and civic engagement

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Please provide salary requirements with your application.

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate's first and last name through our Career Center page here; Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.

Please note: The Shed has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, Shed employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.

The Shed is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff, and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.

HOW TO APPLY

Click here for more information or to apply.