Advancement Operations Assistant

Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance

New York, NY | Full-Time

Salary Range: $50,000–$55,000

The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance is seeking an Advancement Operations Assistant to join our Advancement Department and help support the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts.

The Advancement Operations Assistant will provide essential administrative, operational, and project coordination support across the department, helping ensure that fundraising initiatives, donor relationships, events, and day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Working closely with the Director of Advancement and colleagues across the organization, the Assistant will play an important role in maintaining the systems and processes that support Martha Graham’s fundraising efforts while gaining broad exposure to donor engagement, institutional giving, prospect research, events, and nonprofit advancement.

Advancement Operations & Administration

• Support the systems, processes, and administrative infrastructure of the Advancement Department.
• Maintain accurate donor, prospect, and institutional records in the organization’s CRM.
• Support gift processing, acknowledgments, data management, and coordination with Finance.
• Prepare fundraising reports, mailing lists, dashboards, and other materials to support departmental planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel, scheduling, purchasing, invoices, and other departmental logistics.
• Prepare agendas, presentations, briefing materials, and follow-up documentation.
• Maintain departmental files, shared resources, and organizational records.
• Support Board, committee, and volunteer materials related to Advancement activities.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Support donor stewardship, acknowledgment, recognition, and benefit fulfillment.
• Assist with donor communications, correspondence, and relationship management.
• Maintain donor contact reports and stewardship records.
• Support annual giving and membership activities.
• Prepare donor briefing materials and cultivation resources.
• Help ensure that donors and other supporters receive a professional, responsive, and welcoming experience.

Fundraising Events

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events, cultivation activities, and donor engagements.
• Coordinate event logistics, registrations, guest management, seating, materials, and on-site administration.
• Assist with vendors, event timelines, production schedules, and event-day operations.
• Prepare briefing materials, name badges, collateral, and other event documentation.
• Support sponsorship fulfillment and donor recognition.
• Coordinate post-event stewardship, reporting, and follow-up.

Prospect Research & Reporting

• Conduct preliminary research on individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding prospects.
• Prepare prospect profiles, briefing documents, and background materials.
• Maintain prospect portfolios, pipeline information, and related CRM records.
• Assist with donor research, wealth screening, and fundraising analytics.
• Prepare prospect lists, portfolio reports, and other fundraising metrics.

Collaboration

The Advancement Operations Assistant will work closely with the Director of Advancement, Director of Institutional Giving, and Manager of Individual Giving & Donor Engagement, as well as colleagues in Marketing, Finance, the Martha Graham School, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and Executive Leadership.

The position will also contribute to organization-wide initiatives that strengthen donor engagement, institutional partnerships, fundraising events, and Martha Graham’s philanthropic visibility.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 1-3 years of experience in nonprofit administration, fundraising, advancement, donor relations, customer service, event coordination, project coordination, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project coordination skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience working with CRM/database systems or the ability to quickly learn new technology and software platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related productivity tools.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new skills while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Enthusiasm for the performing arts and a genuine commitment to Martha Graham's mission.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate demonstrates:

• Organizational excellence and project coordination
• Administrative effectiveness and operational support
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Initiative and accountability
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Relationship building and customer service
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Time management and prioritization
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
• Data management and technology proficiency
• Curiosity, continuous learning, and professional development
• Commitment to exceptional donor and stakeholder service

Working at Martha Graham

This position is based in New York City and includes a combination of office-based work, donor meetings, fundraising events, and organizational activities. Occasional evening and weekend commitments will be required, particularly around fundraising events and performances.

Martha Graham is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. The Advancement Operations Assistant will have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of fundraising operations, donor stewardship, CRM management, events, philanthropy, and nonprofit administration while building the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in Advancement.

About Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance

Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance is home to the Martha Graham Dance Company and Martha Graham School. Founded by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, the organization is dedicated to preserving and advancing Martha Graham’s artistic legacy while supporting artistic creation, dance education, and the presentation of contemporary dance.

As the organization enters its second century, the Center is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its 30,000-square-foot Times Square facility, with expanded studios and spaces for artistic creation, education, rehearsal, performance, and community engagement.

We are looking for someone who is excited to contribute to this mission and to the continued growth of Martha Graham’s artistic and educational work.

Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance is an equal opportunity employer.