Development Associate

ISSUE Project Room seeks a Development Associate to play a key role in furthering our mission to foster projects by interdisciplinary artists that expand the boundaries of artistic practice and stimulate critical dialogue in the broader community. The Development Associate will assist the Director of Advancement & Administration in activating a broad base of support for ISSUE programs, and will contribute to a range of fundraising activities across individual giving, government and foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and membership. The Development Associate will be a key member of ISSUE’s small, collaborative staff, reporting directly to the Director of Advancement & Administration.

Background

A pioneering performance nonprofit founded in 2003, ISSUE Project Room plays a vital role in NYC’s cultural ecology, facilitating the commission and premiere of new works and presenting a diverse array of artists working across sound, dance, film, performance and literature. Programming aims to bring recognition to artists whose important contributions fall beyond infrastructural boundaries of discipline or genre, elude audience expectations, or are otherwise underrepresented as a result of bias within the fields of art and performance, and broader histories of social and economic participation. Through the cultivation of innovative new work, ISSUE performs an essential research and development function that fosters a dynamic influx of ideas into the local, national, and international creative landscape. More info: https://issueprojectroom.org

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Integrate new and renewed members, ensuring thorough administration of benefits.
• Assist with the management of the donor database.
• Research government, foundation, and corporate grant opportunities.
• Contribute text for select grant applications, prepare supplemental materials and reports.
• Research and identify funder prospects and generate tailored lists for specific initiatives.
• Help implement donor cultivation plans, contributing to direct mail and email outreach.
• Participate in donor communication and stewardship, drafting and mailing acknowledgements, ensuring proper crediting, etc.
• Track donations and assist with preparation of financial records, reporting and reconciliation.
• Support operations at regular season events, providing front of house assistance at the discretion of the Director of Advancement & Administration.
• Facilitate relationships and support with in-kind donors in collaboration with other members of the ISSUE team.
• Provide administrative and production support for all annual fundraising and cultivation events, including the organization’s Gala and Member/Donor events.
• Provide general support to the Executive Director & Chief Curator and Director of Advancement & Administration, including generation of board reports.
• Additional development and administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Prior nonprofit development experience preferred, including grant writing or other fundraising roles, but not necessary.
• Familiarity with donor database systems is a plus.
• Strong persuasive writing, interpersonal communication, and analytical skills are essential.
• Ability to problem-solve and multi-task to meet multiple deadlines is important.
• The ideal candidate will be motivated and detail oriented, with a professional demeanor and a positive, proactive attitude.
• Strong computer skills required, including fluidity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
• Interest in contemporary performance practices, including music and sound art, is preferred.

Compensation: $20-25/hour

Job Type

This part-time permanent position requires an average of approximately 24 hours per week, performed both remotely and in person. Scheduling is flexible, but will be agreed upon with the Director of Advancement & Administration. Some weekend and evening work may be required for in-person cultivation, fundraising, and season events. Extended hours may be required for special projects, such as the organization’s Gala. The Development Associate’s employment will be in line with ISSUE’s Board approved Personnel Policy Manual.

ISSUE is committed to the health and safety of all ISSUE Staff, Artists, Contractors, and Partners. A stringent Covid-19 Health and Safety plan is in place to mitigate risk in any in-person interactions, such as use of ISSUE’s office space. The plan is reviewed and updated frequently and in accordance with CDC, OSHA, ADA, and all local, state, and federal Health and Safety requirements.

ISSUE Project Room is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against our staff members or applicants for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sex, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran or citizenship status provided they are qualified and meet the requirements for the job.

Proposed Start Date: March 23, 2026