Development Associate (Part-Time)

This part-time position is responsible for supporting innovative fundraising and development initiatives at Hudson River Museum.

The Development Associate plays an essential role in supporting the Museum’s development team and advancing the Museum’s contributed revenue goals through prospect research, preparation of compelling pitch materials, support for fundraising campaigns, and assistance with government, foundation and corporate grants.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional writer with demonstrated success in the nonprofit or consulting sector, strong research skills, and the ability to synthesize information into clear, persuasive narratives. The Development Associate will work closely with the Assistant Director, Development, contributing meaningfully to the Museum’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Approximately 20 hours per week; $24-$27 an hour.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Materials, Pitch Development & Campaign Support

• Draft, edit, and produce polished pitch decks, letters of inquiry, and proposals for exhibitions, educational programs, capital needs, and special initiatives.
• Support fundraising strategies for upcoming exhibitions; help package exhibitions clearly and strategically for philanthropic investment.

Grants Management Support

• Support the Development Officer with project management of grant proposals and reporting, ensuring deadlines are met and applications are strategically positioned. Responsibilities include supporting the preparation and assembly of government, foundation, and corporate grant submissions.
• Assist the Development Officer with the preparation and coordination of interim and final grant reports, working collaboratively with internal teams (i.e. development, education, curatorial, finance), synthesizing materials and data into cohesive submissions, with the Development Officer providing final review and approval to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct funder prospect research to inform proposal development and identify new funding opportunities as needed.

Individual Giving & Prospect Research

• Conduct comprehensive prospect research to identify, qualify, and evaluate potential individual, foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
• Support individual giving initiatives through donor tracking, research briefs, and cultivation materials.
• Assist in building and maintaining a robust pipeline of prospects.
• Work with the Assistant Director, Development to develop donor engagement strategies, including campaign pipelines, segmented outreach and personalized solicitations.

Admin

• Support the Assistant Director, Development in tracking grant applications and donor proposals, reports, and supporting documentation as needed.
• Assist with the preparation for donor meetings, presentations, board development updates, and internal strategy discussion.
• Contribute to occasional development events, cultivation activities and campaign-related programming as needed.
• Support general development administrative database entries and record keeping.

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (nonprofit management, arts administration, communications, or similar) or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success in the nonprofit sector or consulting is essential experience in developing pitch decks, development, fundraising, grant writing, or related work strongly preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate ideas into clear, compelling language.
• Strong research and analytical skills, able to synthesize complex information, and outstanding attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and ensure they are met, while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva or similar presentation building software; experience with donor management databases a plus.
• Strong and polished interpersonal skills, a proactive, collaborative style, and a sense of humor and graciousness.
• Interest in arts and culture and alignment with the Museum’s mission.

Benefits:

• Discount in the Museum Gift Shop
• Hudson River Museum ID card, which provides free access to many museums
• Standard worker’s compensation, short-term disability and unemployment insurance.

HRM provides paid sick leave (“PSL”) in compliance with New York State’s Permanent Paid Sick Leave law providing 1 hour of PSL per 30 hours worked for part-time employees.