Development & External Affairs Associate

January 25th, 2021
Development & External Affairs Associate

Development & External Affairs Associate

  • Full Time
  • Entry Level
  • Applications have closed
Job Category: Communications, Development
Location: Brooklyn
Job Sectors: Arts & Culture
Salary Range:

Development & External Affairs Associate

Reports to: Development & External Affairs Director

Classification: Non-exempt

 Salary: $38,000-40,000

 

Position includes a comprehensive benefits package featuring a selection of Health, Dental and Vision plans, Health Advocate, Employee Assistance Program, and Employee Perks. Voluntary supplementary benefits include Flexible Spending (Health Care Flexible Spending, Transit Benefits, and Dependent Care), AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Accident Benefits, Legal Services, and Identity Theft. BAC also offers up to 34 days of paid time off.

About Brooklyn Arts Council:

Celebrating more than 50 years of service, historically Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) is the borough’s leading nonprofit organization supporting artists and cultural groups in all disciplines. Working through the pandemic to act responsively and nimbly to the emerging needs of our community, BAC is committed to serving the arts ecosystem through grants, professional development, cultural heritage programming, and arts education provided via distance learning. By creating and supporting cultural events and platforms for Brooklynites, BAC provides forums for critical thinking and self-expression, enriches Brooklyn’s cultural landscape, and generates experiences that expand horizons.

 

BAC’s Values:

Brooklyn Arts Council strives to a foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where our employees and volunteers – whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or ability – feel valued and respected.

We are committed to being a nondiscriminatory organization that provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement in our programs and at our worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard.We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the arts community in Brooklyn, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. 

Brooklyn Arts Council prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Position Overview:

A key member of the Development & External Affairs team, the Development & External Affairs Associate will work collaboratively and creatively to increase support for and awareness of the arts in Brooklyn. This is an excellent opportunity to play an integral role in developing BAC’s donor base, and to be part of a hardworking team of creative and talented arts professionals who are dedicated to helping and sustaining Brooklyn’s cultural sector. The role includes responsibilities around donor tracking and acknowledgement (including database management); donor engagement such as board communications and special events planning and execution (including virtual); grant research, writing, and reporting; supporting website, social media, virtual programs, and email communications platforms; solicitation and stewardship of corporate sponsors and in-kind donors; and other areas pertaining to institutional and individual donor cultivation and communications. The ideal candidate possesses an eagle-eyed attention to detail; proven ability to multi-task and work independently; strong writing, research, and communication skills, including comfort speaking with donors and board members; sensitivity in navigating departmental intersections through the focused lens of an organizational mission; excellent organization and prioritization abilities; and a willingness to roll up their sleeves.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Development & External Affairs Director, the Development Associate works to:

Development/Administration:

·         Lead ongoing training and maintenance of Salesforce database and act as point person for office-wide Salesforce administration and support.

·         Track and acknowledge all donations and related communications.

·         Assist in planning and implementing BAC fundraising and special events including virtual events as well as – when we return to “normal” – exhibitions, ceremonies, boutique events, and our annual gala fundraiser and affordable art sale; taking the lead on artist and donor communications related to such events.

·         Provide administrative support for liaising with board members, individual donors, government offices, and corporate partners.

Grants/Public & Institutional Support:

·         Participate in public and institutional support efforts by assisting with writing, review, and final preparation of grant proposals and reports, with a focus on attachments and other ancillary materials needed for each application/report package.

·         Assist with all processes related to contract requirements for public funding from such sources as DCLA, NYSCA, DIFTA, NYSED, NYC Council, Brooklyn Borough President, and others.

·         Conduct prospect research on potential new funding sources and track all steps from initial approach through acknowledgement.

·         Maintain grants tracking and requirements calendar in Salesforce, and related confidential electronic and paper files.

·         Ensure that colleagues are aware of and prepared for coming deadlines, requirements, meetings, and other related tasks.

·         Research and lead outreach to prospective corporate sponsors and in-kind donors.

Communications/Marketing:

·         Support marketing of BAC programs/events and artist features, including design for related digital and print collateral. Work closely with Communications Manager and Programs team to execute real-world and virtual programming.

·         Collaborate with Communications Manager to coordinate direct communications, including BAC’s newsletters; support graphic design on these projects.

·         Assist with/support Communications Manager on online/social media management (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Zoom, Facebook Live, etc.), with a focus on blog and social media posts about individual artists and BAC’s ongoing programs.

·         Participate in updating and maintenance of BAC website and digital asset collection. 

·         Undertake other tasks/projects as needed.

Desired Skills & Expertise:

·         At least two years of experience within a cultural organization or similar entity, including communicating and interfacing with donors, grant-makers, and the public.

·         Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver results in a small organization with limited resources.

·         Excellent research, writing, editing, and communication skills as well as an eye for design.

·         Superior attention to detail, interpersonal skills, patience, and sense of humor.

·         Ability to work independently, multi-task, meet deadlines, and adjust priorities as competing projects vie for attention; as well as to seek help when needed to complete tasks.

·         Background, expertise, and strong interest in database administration; familiarity with Salesforce strongly preferred.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with web-based special events and auction platforms a plus.

·         Proficiency in MS Office; experience with Adobe Creative Suite (specifically InDesign and Photoshop), as well as knowledge of web content management systems, or willingness to learn all of the above.

·         Strong appreciation of and interest in the arts and knowledge of Brooklyn.

·         College degree or equivalent life experience preferred.

Work Expectations:

This is a full-time equivalent position with an integral role in the life of the organization and contact with donors, artists, and members of the press, as well as outside contractors and vendors. We are currently working remotely with the option to go to our DUMBO office as needed under CDC-compliant conditions. Beyond the pandemic, occasional evening work will likely become part of the job whenever large gatherings become possible again.

To Apply:

Send resume and cover letter explaining your interest in this position to [email protected] with “Development & External Affairs Associate” in the subject line.

Brooklyn Arts Council

  • 20 Jay Street Suite 616
  • Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Phone: