Visual AIDS is looking to welcome a full-time Development Assistant who is enthusiastic about helping Visual AIDS grow, and who is dedicated to supporting our mission to use contemporary art to promote dialogues around HIV/AIDS.

Visual AIDS is a leading New York-based contemporary arts nonprofit with a growing national reach, Visual AIDS uses art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV-positive artists, and preserving the legacy of visual artists lost to AIDS. Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to HIV prevention and AIDS awareness through producing and presenting visual arts projects, while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. The organization is growing to a staff of four and committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement. Visual AIDS’ office is located in Chelsea, NYC in the heart of the art gallery district.

Development Assistant – Job Description

The Development Assistant will report to Executive Director Esther McGowan to plan two annual benefit events, research funding opportunities, write grant proposals and reports, and implement individual donor strategies. The Development Assistant is an essential part of the Visual AIDS team.

The Development Assistant is expected to:

  • Support the Executive Director
  • Contribute to the financial success of the organization by coordinating fundraising efforts with foundations, corporations, individuals and special events.
  • Balance long-term organizational plans with hands-on, day-to-day work; be a flexible and highly motivated team player that enjoys the challenge of working on multiple projects simultaneously on tight deadlines.
  • Be highly organized, have excellent communication and writing skills, and have a track record of managing successful programs and/or events.
  • Maintain the organization’s culture of inclusion, openness, and respect with donors, board members, volunteers, artists, and audiences.

Duties include:

  • Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Development Assistant supports the production of two annual benefits (Postcards from the Edge and the Visual AIDS Vanguard Awards), including long-term planning; managing donations, sales and auctions; communicating with benefit committees; volunteer management, and on-site project management during events.
  • Assists with individual donor cultivation and annual appeals.
  • Provides research and administrative support for foundation and corporate fundraising, including maintaining annual grants calendar, and drafting and editing grant materials.
  • Assists with Board stewardship and Board meeting preparation.
  • Office Administration - The Development Assistant is the primary scheduler and office manager. They maintain and operate databases, including press contacts, donors, mailing list, and artwork information. They conduct day-to-day operations, including managing office equipment, ordering supplies, and general correspondence.

Salary Range:

$34,000 - $38,000 (commensurate with experience) + comprehensive health benefits.

Knowledge and Education:

Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of professional experience in related fields required

Experience with fundraising within a nonprofit arts organization, including grant writing and experience with donor management software such as DonorPro preferred.

Interest or background in Art History or Studio Arts preferred.

Knowledge and understanding of current issues around HIV/AIDS preferred.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume and three references to Alex Fialho, Programs Director at afialho@visualAIDS.org - subject line “Development Assistant Application [Your name].” Deadline to apply is July 24, 2017.

Visual AIDS for the Arts is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3).