Development and Communications Associate

About the Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Founded by artists Jasper Johns and John Cage in 1963, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts (FCA) mission is to encourage, sponsor, and promote contemporary visual and performance arts. Through a nomination process, individual artists and collectives working in dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and the visual arts are awarded unrestricted grants in recognition of their artistic contributions. A fund is also maintained to help artists with unexpected emergencies. Since FCA’s inception, over 7,000 grants to artists and arts organizations—totaling more than $25 million—have provided opportunities for creative exploration and development. FCA is a non-profit 501©(3) charity and raises funds through contributions from individuals and foundations and the sale of artwork donated by visual artists for periodic benefit exhibitions.

Job Description
FCA is seeking a full-time Development and Communications Associate working closely with, and reporting to, the Deputy Director. This position will play an active role in FCA’s small team, and will support a broad range of development activities, spanning individual and institutional fund-raising, as well as special event work, including the organization’s fall 2023 gala. The role is also key to realizing FCA’s annual events with donors and artists—planning and helping to ensure their success on site—so candidates should feel comfortable interfacing with all members of our community. These small events (e.g., studio tours, gallery talks) are held 1-2x month during business hours and occasionally in the evenings. A list of some of our past events can be found here.

The Development and Communications Associate will also support FCA’s communication initiatives, including creating content for newsletters, assisting with press releases and announcement roll outs, and collaborating with Program staff on website and social media content.

Responsibilities include:
• Supporting donor and artist cultivation activities, including event planning, outreach, staffing, and execution
• Fostering relationships with current and prospective donors, through special events, and direct donor communication, including with the FCA Friends patron group
• Assisting with preparations for the 2023 gala, including working with prospects lists, logistics planning, vendor research, creating materials for committee meetings, etc.
• Grant research, writing, and reporting
• Fund-raising campaign support; contribution tracking, processing, and acknowledgement letters
• Maintaining database donor groups, contact updates, and contribution records
• Creating and distributing e-newsletters and press releases
• Assisting with press releases, roll out of announcements, and press inquiries
• Updating website and social media presence (collaboratively with Assistant Program Manager)
• Managing department intern together with Deputy Director

FCA is committed to access, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the perspective and contributions of staff to achieving all aspects of our mission.

Compensation and Hours
The position is full-time, non-exempt. Compensation range is $65,000-$70,000 per year, commensurate with experience. FCA provides medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to full-time employees, paid holidays (including a winter break), 15 additional days of paid vacation annually, and a Simple IRA employer-matched retirement plan. FCA’s staff is currently working on a hybrid schedule with three days in-person.

Health and Safety
FCA requires that all of its employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions from the vaccination requirement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for medical (including medical reasons relating to pregnancy) and/or for religious/sincerely held beliefs.

Equal Opportunity Employment
FCA is committed to providing access, accessibility, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for disabled people and individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to access or participate in the job application or interview process, and/or to perform essential job functions please contact Ana Bloch, 212-807-7077, ab@contemporary-arts.org.

Requirements

Ideal Qualifications
• 2-3 years prior development experience; preferably in an arts or cultural institutions
• Ability to work well and build relationships with stakeholders
• A strong writer and editor/proof-reader, with superior attention to detail
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• An organized self-starter with an interest in contemporary visual and/or performance arts
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with Mac OS and Microsoft Word and Excel. Familiarity with databases preferred.
• Experience with email marketing software, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and website CMS tools is a plus.