Director of Advancement

Company Description

The American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY), established in 1857, is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects, with over 5,500 members including architects, allied professionals, students, and design enthusiasts. In partnership with the Center for Architecture, it serves as a cultural hub for architecture and urbanism in New York City, offering exhibitions, public programs, and design education. The Center for Architecture hosts the annual Archtober festival and fosters collaboration among design, development, and policy sectors. Together, AIANY and the Center aim to promote design excellence, expand public knowledge, and inspire innovation in the built environment.

Role Overview

AIA New York and the Center for Architecture seek a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Advancement to lead and grow the organization’s fundraising and external engagement efforts. 

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Advancement will oversee contributed revenue strategy across individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government support, and fundraising events. This role will also play a key leadership role in donor stewardship, board engagement, and institutional partnerships. 

The ideal candidate is an experienced advancement leader with a demonstrated ability to cultivate donor relationships, expand fundraising programs, and support long-term organizational growth within a mission-driven environment. 

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions  

Development and Fundraising 

• Lead the organization’s overall contributed revenue strategy across individual, corporate, foundation, and government-giving streams. 
• Manage and mentor the Development team, including two full-time Development Managers and one part-time Grants Manager. 
• Oversee fundraising campaigns, sponsorship initiatives, donor cultivation efforts, and annual fundraising events. 
• Partner with the Executive Director to identify and secure new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. 
• Grow and strengthen the organization’s major gifts and individual donor portfolio through active relationship management and stewardship. 
• Expand corporate sponsorship support for key institutional initiatives, including Archtober, Learning & Engagement programs, and Exhibitions. 
• Track fundraising progress, pipeline development, and revenue performance against annual goals. 

Board and External Relations  

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board leadership to support fundraising engagement and advancement strategy. 
• Coordinate Center for Architecture Board committee activities related to fundraising and institutional development. 
• Support board development efforts, including identifying and cultivating prospective board members and volunteer leaders. 
• Build and maintain relationships with institutional, corporate, civic, and community partners that advance organizational visibility and impact. 
• Serve as an ambassador for AIA New York and the Center for Architecture within the broader architecture, design, and cultural community. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive advancement, development, or fundraising experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated success growing contributed revenue through individual giving, sponsorships, foundations, or major fundraising initiatives
• Experience managing donor relationships, fundraising campaigns, and strategic partnerships
• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills
• Experience working with boards, committees, and senior stakeholders 

Additional Information 

Location: This is a predominantly in person role, with some remote work possible (up to approx. 2 days per week, depending on event and programmatic needs on site) 

FLSA Classification:    Full-Time, Exempt 

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000 

Position Reports to: Executive Director  

Benefits: We offer a competitive benefits package including low or zero cost health, dental and vision insurance options, 3% 401k match, 15 days PTO per year in your first five years (20 days after five years), 10 paid holidays, Summer Fridays, and the last week of the year off. 

Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 30 lbs.). Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking. 

AIANY and the Center for Architecture is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. 

• APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to jobs@aiany.org. Please put the job title and your last name on the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.