Development Associate, Major Gifts

Lincoln Center Theater•New York, NY

1d•$62,000 - $66,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lincoln Center Theater (LCT) is seeking a Development Associate, Major Gifts to play a vital role in supporting its major gifts fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, this position provides critical administrative, data, and relationship-management support to the Director of Major Gifts, Director of New Philanthropy, and Director of Special Funding Initiatives. The role also involves managing a small portfolio of major donors. This is an excellent opportunity for a development professional looking to grow their career in major gifts fundraising within a leading nonprofit theater.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
2–4 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field (arts/nonprofit experience a plus).
Experience with donor database systems; Tessitura experience strongly preferred.
Excellent written communication skills, with experience drafting donor-facing materials.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly with data entry and gift processing.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Discretion in handling confidential donor information.
Genuine interest in theater and the performing arts.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting major or principal gifts officers.
Familiarity with gift acknowledgment and stewardship best practices.
Experience creating donor proposals or presentation materials.
Interest in portfolio-management or a Major Gifts Officer role.

Responsibilities

Support the Director of Major Gifts, Director of New Philanthropy, and Director of Special Funding Initiatives with accurate and timely data entry in Tessitura.
Generate reports and analyses from Tessitura to support fundraising strategy, donor pipeline management, and portfolio reviews.
Conduct donor and prospect research and assist in maintaining major gift portfolios, tracking donor engagement and next steps.
Coordinate donor meetings, prepare briefing materials, and ensure timely documentation of donor interactions and follow-up activities.
Create polished major gifts materials, including donor proposals and presentation decks.
Support the implementation of individualized donor stewardship plans, including donor recognition, benefit fulfillment, and engagement opportunities.
Support Major Gifts team with cultivation and stewardship events, managing major donor communications and event RSVPs.
Assist LCT Patron Desk with ticketing and event RSVP coordination for major donors, including opening nights, galas, and special events.
Route contributions and pledges through internal processes and generate timely, accurate acknowledgment letters for all major gifts.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Development, Marketing, Events, and Finance teams to ensure smooth gift processing and an excellent donor experience.
Manage a small portfolio of major donors, including cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation activities.
Support additional major gifts projects and initiatives as needed.