The Design Trust for Public Space (DT) is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 to unlock the potential of New York City’s shared spaces. Today we are a nationally recognized incubator that transforms and evolves the city’s landscape with city agencies and community collaborators.
Our current projects include Opening the Edge, where Design Trust and the New York City Housing Authority are working with residents to reimagine the green space at the Lillian Wald Houses on the Lower East Side, and TurnOut NYC, a partnership with the architecture practice SITU and supported by a seed grant from the Mellon Foundation to connect artists to the potential of public space through new partnerships and built infrastructure.The Design Trust’s most recent Request for Proposals, Restorative City is dedicated to exploring how public space and the built environment can be used as a tool to advance health equity across the city.
Position Summary
Design Trust for Public Space seeks a talented and enthusiastic Development Associate who shares our passion for public space. The Development Associate will play an integral role in increasing revenue and the capacity of the Design Trust by supporting the organization’s fundraising program, including major gift and annual giving, foundation and government grants and special events and initiatives. In addition, the Development Associate will work closely with the Program team in coordinating events and other organizational activities that align development and program goals.
The Development Associate will be able to successfully prioritize multiple projects, initiate process improvements, work collaboratively with a dedicated staff of nine and with various stakeholders across the organization i.e., board members, donors, consultants and project partners. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication and database management skills, as well as strong attention to detail. We are looking for candidates who share Design Trust values of community building, openness, and trust.
The position will report directly to the Director of Development.
Responsibilities and Duties
Project Support
• In collaboration with Development Director draft and submit grant proposals and final reports to Foundation, Government and Corporate funders and prospects;
• Maintain grant proposal and reporting calendar.
Event Management
• Oversee the Design Trust Council patron program including the planning and execution of 4 to 6 Design Trust Council events per year;
• Work with Development Director and Communications Manager on multiple aspects of Design Trust’s Annual Benefit including: managing graphic design of Benefit invitation for print and website, assist with producing other collateral material; act as liaison to the Design Trust Board in creating prospect lists and outreach to Benefit prospects; assist in production of Benefit video.
Collateral and Written Materials
• Working, in collaboration with Director of Development and Communications Manager, to draft Annual Appeal materials and oversee distribution of digital materials via email, Mail Chimp and DT’s social media channels;
• Annual Report: working, in collaboration with Director of Development, Communications Manager and Program staff, annually to draft report materials and manage graphic design, printing, and distribution;
• Fundraising materials: work with Program staff and Communications Manager to periodically update fundraising and program One-Sheets used for prospecting, stewardship, and reporting Board Committees;
• Coordinate scheduling, reporting materials, and follow-up activities for Board Development, and Nominating Committee meetings.
Data/Gift Management and Administration
• Manage DonorPerfect database, to ensure data integrity by identifying and implementing regular data cleanup projects for all donor records;
• Liaise with the bookkeeper regarding contributed support and development expenses;
• Record incoming gifts in database, and coordinate timely acknowledgements for all gifts received;
• Create reports and excel spreadsheets for various mailings throughout the year.
Required Background, Skills, and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, and at least 1 year of professional or internship experience;
• Team player and thrives in a small-office environment;
• Proven excellent written and oral communication skills and organizational skills;
• Experience managing a range of activities to meet deadlines;
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people;
• Prior experience working in fundraising/development preferred;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, DonorPerfect or Raiser’s Edge preferred, some knowledge of design software like In-Design a plus;
• Experience working with social media platforms a plus;
• Prior experience working in community development, design, urban planning or advocacy organizations.
Compensation
The Design Trust offers a competitive salary based on experience and an excellent benefits package (health, dental, vision and 401(k). In addition, Design Trust employees receive ample vacation and sick time, enjoy a flexible/hybrid work environment, and work with a talented team of individuals on public space projects that have a real impact on New York City’s urban environment. Pay range $45,000 -$55,000.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted via email only and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the volume of applications, only those candidates short-listed for the first round of interviews will be notified. No phone calls please.
To apply, send the following as one complete PDF file:
• A cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, with salary requirements and 2-3 references;
• Your resume (2 pages maximum);
• A short writing sample, development-focused if available.
Name your PDF file “lastname_firstname.pdf” and send your complete application to: jobs@designtrust.org with “Development Associate Application” written in the Subject Line.
Deadline to apply is: Friday, September 30, 2022 with a projected start date of October 31, 2022.
Design Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all abilities, ethnicities, genders, national origins or ancestries, socioeconomic statuses, races, formerly incarcerated statuses, religions, and sexualities to apply. Design Trust is also committed to accessibility and to working together with you to develop an accessibility plan. Find out more at www.designtrust.org.