Employment at the Thomas Cole Site

Join Our Team

To work at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is to be part of a team of excited and committed professionals, each with his or her own role to play in realizing our collective goals. Learn about our open employment opportunities below. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you are looking for information about the annual Cole Fellowship program, please find more information here. 

Senior Development Manager

The Senior Development Manager (SDM) will work closely with the Development Leadership Team and play a critical role in realizing the fundraising potential of the organization in its next exciting phase of growth. With the grand opening of its purpose-built visitor center, the organization is poised to serve growing audiences. The SDM will join a dynamic team of passionate individuals and take a central role in growing the organization.

The Senior Development Manager (SDM) reports to the Director of Advancement & External Affairs (DoA&EA) and is responsible for managing all aspects of development operations supported by the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge Donor Database System (RE). This is a full-time hybrid position that requires approximately 37.5 hours per week, with a schedule and responsibilities that vary occasionally. The position requires at least two days a week in the office.

This position reports to the Director of Advancement & External Affairs (DoA&EA). Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Take on a critical role in realizing the fundraising potential of the organization in its next exciting phase of growth.
  • Lead and execute all development data and record keeping utilizing RE. This includes gift entry and financial coding, major donor cultivation, fundraiser attendance, and membership.
  • Work with the Board of Trustees and development staff to pull custom reports and to track major donor cultivation. Identify prospects and provide research on existing and new major donors and foundations.
  • Work with Board of Trustees to track mailings and touchpoints for their personal contacts.
  • Serve as primary point of contact for all fundraiser attendees, collecting RSVPs, confirming event reservations, and tracking event sponsorships and tickets.
  • Track gift acknowledgements, work with DoA&EA and ED to determine custom acknowledgement needs.
  • Execute tax acknowledgement and membership correspondence primarily over email. This includes renewal letters and membership mailings.
  • Track outstanding pledges and produce pledge reminders and contact donors regarding outstanding pledges as needed with DoA&EA and ED.
  • In RE, produce mailing lists, email lists, queries, and exports while managing special exceptions that require personal attention from trustees and senior staff.
  • Project manage the grant application and reporting schedule. Track deadlines and alert DoA&EA (grant writer) to ensure on-time deliverables.
  • Lead the department’s CRM system improvements as well as identifying and championing various tech solutions that support fundraising goals.
  • Execute website Word Press updates, including creating payment forms in RE to embed into fundraising pages on website, and general website updates as needed.
  • Track recipients of direct mail and other customized appeals.
  • Manage and update policies and procedures in the development operations manual.
  • Assist with day of special events tasks and other development activities including but not limited to fundraising events and exhibition openings. Includes occasional evening and weekend work.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of five years’ comprehensive experience in database and professional relationship management.
  • A Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) in a related field.
  • Required Skills
  • Exceptional strategic, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills with a high attention to detail.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office. Proficient in the use of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge (or willingness to undergo intensive training).

Abilities

  • Must be an enthusiastic self-starter with exceptional prioritization and time management skills.
  • Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance, and professional growth, and ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
  • Flexibility and capacity to make thoughtful, independent decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Persuasive, articulate communicator; active listener with strong written and presentation skills.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills, both externally and internally, and the ability to effectively represent the organization in all venues.

Location, Schedule and Compensation: TCNHS is located in Catskill, New York and this is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office. This position is full time with an expected salary range of $45,000 – $60,000 depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and employer-matching retirement plan.

How to Apply: In a single PDF document, please submit (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter explaining why you are qualified and interested in the position, and (3) contact information for at least three professional references via e-mail to employment@thomascole.org.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status.

Vaccination Policy: The Thomas Cole National Historic Site has a universal vaccination policy requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, for all employees. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered and decided on a case-by-case basis according to New York State and Federal Law.

 

Staff photo by Adam T. Deen

rootEmployment at the Thomas Cole Site