Development Operations Manager

Bard Graduate Center (BGC) invites applications for Development Operations Manager. This is a full-time, on-site position at our campus on West 86th Street in New York City.

The Bard Graduate Center is a graduate research institute in New York City dedicated to the study of the cultural history of the material world and committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. Our students gravitate to careers in museums, academia, the art world, and publishing. Our MA and PhD degree programs, gallery exhibitions, research initiatives, and public programs explore new ways of thinking about decorative arts, design history, and material culture.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer and collaborating closely with the department’s Grants team, the Development Operations Manager plays a key role in overseeing BGC’s donor database (Raiser’s Edge NXT), managing all aspects of gift processing and acknowledgments, coordinating development communications and appeals to individuals, foundations, and corporations, and supporting patron engagement activities. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical skills, excellent judgment, and a passion for the behind-the-scenes work that drives fundraising success. This person will also support Development events for various stakeholder communities: patrons, alumni, and others.

Primary Responsibilities:

Database and Gift Management

• • Serve as BGC’s primary administrator for Raiser’s Edge NXT and related systems, ensuring accurate gift entry, donor records, queries, lists, and reporting.
  • Oversee all gift processing (credit card, check, wire, in-kind), including timely acknowledgments and reconciliation with the Finance Office and Bard College.
  • Ensure the integrity, security, and consistency of donor data, and maintain internal protocols and manuals for database use.
  • Manage the importing/exporting of data across platforms (e.g., MailChimp, ticketing platforms), and liaise with BGC’s tech team, Marketing team, and vendors as needed.

Donor & Board Communications

• • Draft, personalize, and distribute acknowledgment letters, renewal notices, annual fund appeals, and targeted mailings
  • Create and maintain mailing lists and segmentation for development communications and campaigns.
  • Generate and distribute dedicated board material three times per year in preparation for board meetings.
  • Coordinate ongoing communication with BGC board, alumni, and members, including sharing institutional news.

Development Operations and Administration

• • Track development department spending and process invoices and reimbursements.
  • Maintain organized digital and physical donor files, prospect materials, and promotional collateral.
  • Support prospect research and briefings in collaboration with our grants team from Advance NYC and frontline fundraisers.

Events and Engagement Support

• • Assist with planning and execution of key donor and alumni events including the Iris Foundation Awards, exhibition openings, and cultivation events.
  • Oversee invitation lists, RSVPs, and event communications in partnership with development colleagues.
  • Support stewardship and benefit fulfillment for members, small and mid-sized donors, and sponsors.

Qualifications:

Required:

• • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, advancement services, or donor relations, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural/educational institution.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Excellent time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
  • Availability to work occasional evenings or weekends in support of events.

Preferred:

• • Prior experience supporting board engagement or senior leadership.
  • Career interest in fundraising operations within the arts or higher education.

We expect the successful candidate to be stronger in some qualifications listed above than others; we are committed to helping our future colleagues expand their skills and hope to learn from their areas of strength.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $73,500 + a generous benefits package.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to doig@bgc.bard.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.