Job Details
OverviewThe New York Public Library is seeking to hire a dynamic and seasoned development professional to serve as the Director of Schomburg Centennial Fundraising. The Director of Schomburg Centennial Fundraising will actively drive the fundraising goals for the Schomburg Center in Research in Black Culture's centennial celebration. They will serve as the primary steward and solicitor of major gifts for the Schomburg Center, working closely with Development and Schomburg Center staff and serving as a key manager of information and communication between departments. As one of the foremost public research libraries and cultural institutions in the world, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture collects, preserves, shares, and interprets the global Black experience. For its centennial celebration, with the majority of activities planned from May 2025 and May 2026, the Library has identified a $20 million fundraising goal to support acquisitions, exhibitions, programs, events, and a gala, and to establish secure funding foundations for the future. The Director of Schomburg Centennial Fundraising will play a pivotal role in meeting these goals, deepening the involvement of donors, and executing this significant milestone. This is a temporary position through June 30, 2026.We are looking for someone we can count on to:Own:Major gift fundraising for the Schomburg Center's centennialTeach:Donors and prospects about the Schomburg Center and its impactLearn:The priorities and internal landscapes of the Schomburg CenterImprove:Initiative driven fundraising for the Schomburg CenterSome expectations for this role are that within:1 month, this person will:Have spent the majority of their time at the Schomburg Center, meeting their colleagues and understanding the needs and priorities of the centennial3 months, this person will:Have arranged and completed 40 donor visits with Schomburg Center prospects and donorsHave developed fundraising materials for the Schomburg Center's priorities6 months and beyond, this person will:Have secured 20 gifts and / or pledges for the Schomburg CenterResponsibilitiesWork closely with Development, the Schomburg Center, and leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan for major donors and prospects for the Schomburg Center's centennialServe as Development's project manager for the centennial and point of contact with stakeholders at the Schomburg Center and across the LibrarySupport Development teams' fundraising, including membership, individual giving, events, and institutional givingPersonally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward of a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to meet fundraising goalsAdvance donor relationships through in-person visits and bespoke engagement opportunitiesInitiating contact from prospect status, development of appropriate cultivation strategies, moving donors and potential donors to close and/or upgrade gifts, make face to face solicitations, maintain stewardship contacts and forge relationships with new major gift prospects with the capacity to make six to seven figure giftsDraft briefings and proposals for donor meetingsPerform other related duties as necessary OverviewThe New York Public Library is seeking to hire a dynamic and seasoned development professional to serve as the Director of Schomburg Centennial Fundraising. The Director of Schomburg Centennial Fundraising will actively drive the fundraising goals for the Schomburg Center in Research in Black Culture's centennial celebration. They will serve as the primary steward and solicitor of major gifts for the Schomburg Center, working closely with Development and Schomburg Center staff and serving as a key manager of information and communication between departments.As one of the foremost public research libraries and cultural institutions in the world, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture collects, preserves, shares, and interprets the global Black experience. For its centennial celebration, with the majority of activities planned from May 2025 and May 2026, the Library has identified a $20 million fundraising goal to support acquisitions, exhibitions, programs, events, and a gala, and to establish secure funding foundations for the future. The Director of Schomburg Centennial Fundraising will play a pivotal role in meeting these goals, deepening the involvement of donors, and executing this significant milestone. This is a temporary position through June 30, 2026.We are looking for someone we can count on to:Own:* Major gift fundraising for the Schomburg Center's centennialTeach:* Donors and prospects about the Schomburg Center and its impactLearn:* The priorities and internal landscapes of the Schomburg CenterImprove:* Initiative driven fundraising for the Schomburg CenterSome expectations for this role are that within:1 month, this person will:* Have spent the majority of their time at the Schomburg Center, meeting their colleagues and understanding the needs and priorities of the centennial3 months, this person will:* Have arranged and completed 40 donor visits with Schomburg Center prospects and donors* Have developed fundraising materials for the Schomburg Center's priorities6 months and beyond, this person will:* Have secured 20 gifts and / or pledges for the Schomburg CenterResponsibilities* Work closely with Development, the Schomburg Center, and leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan for major donors and prospects for the Schomburg Center's centennial* Serve as Development's project manager for the centennial and point of contact with stakeholders at the Schomburg Center and across the Library* Support Development teams' fundraising, including membership, individual giving, events, and institutional giving* Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward of a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to meet fundraising goals* Advance donor relationships through in-person visits and bespoke engagement opportunities* Initiating contact from prospect status, development of appropriate cultivation strategies, moving donors and potential donors to close and/or upgrade gifts, make face to face solicitations, maintain stewardship contacts and forge relationships with new major gift prospects with the capacity to make six to seven figure gifts* Draft briefings and proposals for donor meetings* Perform other related duties as necessaryRequired Education, Experience & SkillsRequired Education & CertificationsBachelor's degree, preferably with a Liberal Arts or Humanities backgroundRequired Experience* 7-10 years of Development experience including major gift solicitation experience in a fast-paced complex institution.* A proven, successful track record of closing six and seven figure gifts with a goal of attaining eight figures as well.* Strong track record of partnering with program staff to build donor relationships and foster long-term philanthropic support.Required Skills* Demonstrated proficiency of metrics-driven fundraising methods* Superior interpersonal skills and ability to form strategic relationships with high net worth individuals* Excellent written and verbal communication skills* Strong knowledge of both new and traditional major gift fundraising systems & strategies* Proficient experience using Raiser's Edge or other comparable CRM programs* Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and tactManagerial/Supervisory ResponsibilitiesN/AMore...Core ValuesAll team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:* Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues* Be Resourceful in solving problems* Be Curious in all aspects of your work* Be Welcoming and InclusiveWork Environment* Office setting - at the Schomburg Center in Harlem and the Development office in midtown ManhattanPhysical Duties* N/APre-Placement Physical Required?NoUnion/Non UnionNon-UnionFLSA StatusExemptScheduleMonday - Friday, 9 am-5pm and evening and weekends as neededThis job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.The New York Public Library Salary StatementAt the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).