Capital Campaign Assistant at School of American Ballet

Organization Overview

The School of American Ballet (SAB) at Lincoln Center, founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, is the preeminent ballet school in the country. Our mission is to train professional dancers for careers in classical ballet. We provide the resources for a diverse pool of students to train at the highest level – with 15-25 a year going on to dance for New York City Ballet, our official but independent ballet company, and other major ballet companies worldwide. SAB has a far-reaching impact on the art form and enriches the lives of each student who comes through its doors, over 800 annually, ages 6 to 18. SAB has approximately 90 part- and full-time employees and an operating budget of $17 million. In the 2025-2026 school year, administrative employees are expected to work in person 4 days per week and may telecommute one day per work week.

Position Overview

The Capital Campaign Assistant supports efforts to raise $20 million in a 90th Anniversary Capital Campaign. Through this work, the Capital Campaign Assistant will enable SAB to provide the very best training and support, facilities, and scholarship program for our talented students; broaden our impact and expand possibilities for the art form for years to come; and give the School financial stability and promise for the future.

The Capital Campaign Assistant works closely with the Campaign Director and fellow members of the Development and Marketing Department. This is a full-time, non-exempt position, reporting to the Director of Development and Marketing.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Support:

• Efficiently and thoroughly manage campaign administrative needs including maintaining files and the donor database, creating and updating tracking systems, preparing progress reports, providing clerical assistance, and collaborating with coworkers.
• Continually refine the table of gifts, prospect pipeline, and master prospect list.
• Maintain a list of recognition opportunities and gift acceptance policies.
• Schedule appointments, coordinate meeting logistics, and prepare meeting materials.
• Process campaign invoices and track and reconcile expenses.
• Work with outside vendors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Donor Correspondence and Appreciation:

• Respond to donor questions in a timely and professional manner.
• Participate in the development of campaign proposals, reports, templates, website updates, and general correspondence.
• Draft weekly gift acknowledgments and ensure completion of recognition materials.
• Assist in the development of personalized donor appreciation messages.
• Manage all campaign mailings and mailing lists.

Event Planning and Management:

• Plan and oversee campaign events by coordinating all logistics including developing facility work orders, hiring and communicating with vendors, creating event timelines and staffing assignments, and overseeing event setup and breakdown.
• Coordinate invitation design, pull and review mailing lists, and take RSVPs.

Gift Processing and Pledge Management:

• Process all campaign gifts in coordination with the Finance Department.
• Record all pledge agreements and manage the pledge tracking and fulfillment process.

Prospect Research:

• Identify and research current and prospective donors, create donor profiles, and assist in the development of solicitation plans.
• Prepare weekly call lists and provide support with donor cultivation activities and events.

Requirements

• An associate or bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience is preferred but not required.
• Attention to detail and administrative organizational abilities. Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple assignments, and utilize proactive communication.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and vendors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and capacity to learn and utilize a fundraising database. Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar databases is a plus.
• Interest in the performing arts, dance, and/or education preferred (prior knowledge of ballet or SAB not required).
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours for donor events.

Start Date

January 5, 2026 (depending on candidate availability)

Benefits

SAB offers a superior benefit package, including full health benefits, four weeks of vacation (plus two holiday weeks in December), and generous retirement savings benefits. 

The School of American Ballet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

The annual salary range is $47,000-$51,000 commensurate with experience.