Associate Manager of Development (Lyndhurst)

JOB SUMMARY:

Lyndhurst is looking for an Associate Manager of Development who wants to be the right-hand in a two-person development department. This is an ideal position for someone who wants to advance quickly, deepen their understanding of a variety of development department functions, and is willing to take on as much responsibility as possible. Candidates will be expected to learn Lyndhurst’s history and understand its many programs to become effective in representing the institution to potential funders. Lyndhurst is a historic house museum with approximately 100,000 visitors annually and a full-time staff of 15. While a smaller institution, the museum is recognized for its dynamic programming, its historic significance and its participation in current culture, including as a major film location for HBO’s series “The Gilded Age.”

DUTIES:

Fundraising

• Identify and process small grants (under $5,000) as well as smaller private foundation donations (under $10,000) to support Lyndhurst programs, operations and restorations.
• Support the Director of Development on larger six‑figure grants including gathering documentation and processing progress and close-out reports.
• Use data analysis and research to identify potential new supporters.
• Be involved in donor cultivation, meeting prep, and creative fundraising efforts.
• Develop electronic donor campaigns and year-end appeals and ensure representation of donor interests in social media and on website.
• Support additional development department initiatives, as needed.

Membership

• Act as lead manager on the museum’s membership program for donors under the $500 level.
• Process new memberships, maintain renewals, and work to ensure fulfillment of membership benefits.
• Oversee special member access to Lyndhurst events including the biannual craft show, season-opening flower show, and annual Holiday party.
• Develop new strategies to increase membership and identify members ready for upgrade.
• Maintain an accurate membership database.

Special Events

• Take the lead on logistics for three of our signature celebrations: the Flower House Preview Party, the Summer Party and the Holiday Party.
• Handle invitations, entertainment, catering coordination, and in-kind donations or donations to silent auctions.
• Develop new event ideas for members/donors or ways to refresh existing events.

Administration & Research

• Maintain and/or modernize donor data including maintaining the TAM donor database.
• Ensure that all donations are properly processed and acknowledgements are sent.
• Provide day‑to‑day assistance, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of experience, ideally in museums, historic sites, cultural organizations, arts, or similar environments.
• A team‑player temperament: collaborative, friendly, confident, and comfortable in a tight-knit staff where everyone wears multiple hats.
• A curious, enthusiastic learner who wants to dive into architecture, exhibitions, collections, landscape, and programs.
• Someone who loves a challenge and sees professional growth as an adventure.
• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Independent, reliable, and able to juggle multiple projects with grace.
• Tech‑comfortable (Microsoft Office, donor databases; TAM experience is a bonus).
• Professional, discreet, and ready for the delightful unpredictability of museum life.
• Someone with imagination and initiative and who enjoys working in a smaller museum that has an outsized recognition and reputation within its field.

PAY & BENEFITS:

This is a full-time, non-exempt level position, eligible for full benefits, including health, dental and life insurance, retirement benefits, paid parental leave, and 3 weeks of vacation, plus sick time and holidays.

Hiring Range: $57,000-62,000 per year