Development Assistant

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer

Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever‑evolving historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.

Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live‑work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.

As MSPC expands its development team and prepares for future growth, we are seeking a highly organized, personable, and motivated Development Assistant who is eager to build a career in fundraising and nonprofit management.

The Development Assistant plays an essential role in supporting all areas of MSPC’s fundraising program, including institutional, corporate, individual, and Board giving. This position provides vital administrative, research, and database support; assists with membership program execution; and contributes to the success of donor events and engagements.

This role is ideal for someone with 1–2 years of administrative or customer service experience who is excited about a future in development, is exceptionally organized, and brings a donor‑centered professionalism.

The Development Assistant reports to the Chief Development Officer, collaborates with everyone on the Development team, and interfaces with all program areas.

• Provide critical administrative support to the Development team at‑large.
• Organize department‑wide systems and software to ensure efficient operations and timely completion of tasks.
• Administer an accurate, well‑organized, and timely donor acknowledgement process with the Development staff, Chief Curator, and Executive Director.
• Assist with preparing materials for donor meetings, Board communications, and other projects as needed.
• Compile easy‑to‑follow, informative, and analytical reports on the results of Development initiatives.
• Run Development department meetings, and compile notes and action items.
• Manage the matching gift promotion and processes.

• Conduct data entry, record‑keeping, and reporting within the donor database (Donor Perfect experience a plus). Maintain consistent and well‑organized donor records and department folders in Google Drive.
• Run donor and prospect research, including wealth screening and drafting donor/meeting briefings.

• Assist with the execution of all membership programs (general, art and dog programs), including fulfillment of benefits, processing acknowledgement letters and renewals, communications and marketing, and member inquiries.
• Assist with the administration needed to execute all individual giving vehicles (eg, bench dedications, legacy giving, etc.)

• Provide support in preparing materials for grant proposals and reports.
• Run administrative tasks and tracking around the corporate volunteering program, as needed.

• Help with data management, planning, promotion, and execution of cultivation events (including monthly in‑park “Bench Hours”), corporate and individual volunteering, membership programs and events, and other fundraising events.
• Support event logistics, including managing RSVPs, check‑in, donor communications, and onsite hospitality.
• Represent MSPC at events with warmth, professionalism, and confidence.

• 1–2 years of administrative, customer service, or nonprofit experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills while exercising discretion.
• Strong organizational skills,…