Careers

Donor Database and Operations Senior Manager

The Organization

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (GLI) is the nation’s leading American history organization dedicated to K–12 education. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. Since its founding in 1994, GLI has created powerful and meaningful ways to teach and learn history. Focusing on primary sources, the Institute offers teacher seminars, online courses, exhibitions, digital materials, and print publications that enable students of all ages and backgrounds to study the nation’s past.

The Institute brings the work of today’s leading historians into classrooms and homes worldwide. Through public events, publications, posters, videos, exhibitions, essays, and a dedicated website rich in primary sources, GLI brings every period of American history to life. Diverse education programs, including the acclaimed Hamilton Education Program, provide opportunities to explore five centuries of American history. The Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School network comprises more than 14 million students and 97,000 educators from more than 36,000 schools worldwide. 

The Role

Are you passionate about using systems, data, and operations to drive positive change? Do you thrive on building efficient processes that strengthen fundraising and marketing strategy and execution?

We are currently seeking a Donor Database and Operations Senior Manager, who will report to the Director of Development. The newly created position will be joining GLI at a dynamic time as we continue to enhance our nonpartisan K–12 and public programming in response to the urgent needs of the moment. We are looking for a “development operations wiz” who can lead the use of Salesforce by the development team. In particular, the Senior Manager will establish new fundraising systems and processes to help our team to achieve the next level of revenue growth and deepen donor engagement. This position will benefit from working closely with GLI’s technology team, which oversees organizational uses of Salesforce beyond its fundraising functions, and with GLI’s marketing team.

The Senior Manager will support fundraising activity by leading the optimization and execution of operations systems, database management and reporting, data analysis, and prospect research. They will be an integral member of GLI’s Development team, with influence on overall fundraising strategy and room for growth in the future.

This role is responsible for managing and enhancing the Development team’s use of Salesforce, ensuring high-quality data and reporting, overseeing gift processing, streamlining operational workflows, and partnering with colleagues to strengthen revenue growth strategies. The position also plays a key role in general systems and back-end support for fundraising activity. This will include managing data and key performance indicators (KPIs), and developing calendars to ensure alignment, accountability, and efficiency across the team. The ideal candidate will be a skilled, detail-oriented database manager and operations generalist with a strong background in fundraising.

This role will be based in New York City and currently requires working in person at least one day per week in GLI’s midtown office.

Responsibilities

The Donor Database and Operations Senior Manager will lead all data analysis, reporting, and database management for the Development team, assisting other functions as needed.

Data Analysis and Reporting to Drive Revenue Growth (30%) 

• Leverage data within Salesforce to recommend prospect and donor engagement strategies and to guide the moves management pipeline for both the President and the Development team
• Partner with senior Development staff to create a comprehensive reporting dashboard in Salesforce and develop team KPIs
• Use data to track revenue, goals, and metrics, and identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for growth and improved donor stewardship
• Analyze and strengthen current Salesforce processes for projecting annual revenue targets, including methodologies for setting, managing, and tracking opportunity targets for annual, major, lapsed, active, and prospective donors
• Generate regular and ad hoc reports for the Development and C-Suite teams, including metrics on donor retention and acquisition, and progress toward annual revenue targets
• Segment donor lists for targeted digital communications, appeals, and stewardship efforts in order to tap into donor behavior patterns and increase donor engagement and contributions 
• Analyze data and results of campaigns, working closely with the marketing team 

Development Operations and Gift Processing (30%)

• Oversee gift processing and production of acknowledgment letters, supported by junior staff and/or interns
• Partner with the Development team’s Events Coordinator to implement systems for managing event invitations, attendance, and follow-up
• Develop and manage fundraising calendars and project management systems to coordinate cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and reporting cycles across the team
• Support operational efficiency by developing systems, policies, and workflows that enhance the Development team’s performance, including the use of other software systems such as Asana
• Collaborate with the Finance Department to ensure alignment across revenue tracking, reporting, and reconciliation processes

Database Management and Maintenance (30%)

• Manage and maintain donor records in the Salesforce CRM, ensuring accurate data entry
• Conduct regular audits to maintain data integrity, including cleansing, de-duplicating, and updating contact information
• Train current and onboard future staff members on database tools and processes
• Partner with GLI’s Technology team to troubleshoot issues, enhance functionality, and maximize Salesforce capabilities across the Development office

Prospect Research Oversight (10%)

• Provide oversight of individual and institutional prospect research activities to support pipeline development
• Coordinate with staff, interns, or consultants on research assignments and data entry
• Deliver occasional research briefings or updates to inform donor engagement planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Commitment to GLI’s mission and enthusiasm for leveraging data and research to amplify impact
• Progressive experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization with a focus on donor data management and engagement; understanding of fundraising principles and practices
• Expertise in Salesforce CRM, specifically as used to support fundraising (Nonprofit Success Package preferred) Salesforce Administrator Certification is preferred, or a willingness to pursue this certification in the future 
• Outstanding project, time management, and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to drive projects forward independently 
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data management, reporting, and trend analysis
• Team-oriented with a desire to participate in creating a strong team culture
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong Excel and technical skills 

Compensation

Compensation range: $64,750–$82,400 annually, commensurate with the candidate’s experience.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute offers a generous and inclusive benefits package, including employer-paid health, dental, disability, and life insurance, 401(k) and FSA plans, and paid time off in the first year of hire, including a paid winter recess from December 25 to January 1. GLI also offers a comprehensive flex time and comp time policy. 

To Apply

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume in a single file to hr@gilderlehrman.org. Please include “Donor Database and Operations Senior Manager” in the subject line of your email, and also let us know how you heard about the role. In your cover letter, describe any relevant experience with the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Package.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, sex, gender identity, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, height, weight, or any other legally protected status. Research indicates that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, GLI encourages you to apply. 

Contact Information

hr@gilderlehrman.org

Major Gifts Officer

The Organization

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (GLI) is the nation’s leading American history organization dedicated to K–12 education. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. Since its founding in 1994, GLI has created powerful and meaningful ways to teach and learn history. Focusing on primary sources, the Institute offers teacher seminars, online courses, exhibitions, digital materials, and print publications that enable students of all ages and backgrounds to study the nation’s past.

The Institute brings the work of today’s leading historians into classrooms and homes worldwide. Through public events, publications, posters, videos, exhibitions, essays, and a dedicated website rich in primary sources, GLI brings every period of American history to life. Diverse education programs, including the acclaimed Hamilton Education Program, provide opportunities to explore five centuries of American history. The Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School network comprises more than 14 million students and 97,000 educators from more than 36,000 schools worldwide. 

The Role

Are you passionate about supporting a mission-driven organization focused on American history education and civic engagement? Are you looking for an entrepreneurial, front-line fundraising role that allows you to be creative, hands-on, and part of building the next generation of engaged supporters? The Gilder Lehrman Institute’s development team is looking for you!

Reporting to the Director of Development (DoD), the Major Gifts Officer is a frontline fundraiser who will oversee and grow a portfolio of 50–100 individual donors and prospects capable of giving $10,000 annually. This role will expand GLI’s fundraising capacity beyond the President and DoD by building a portfolio and cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding significant gifts directly. This role will also be the main liaison with members of the President’s Council, a group of engaged GLI supporters. GLI has an extensive suite of events, including an annual gala, four book prize ceremonies, and several cultivation and stewardship events annually. The Director will partner closely with the events team to identify new prospects, develop guest lists, plan a calendar of cultivation/stewardship events, and maximize donor engagement through events.

This is a senior role within a seven-member Development team at a moment of organizational growth. GLI’s annual operating budget is approximately $12.5M, with more than $5M raised annually from philanthropy. Bolstered by this strong foundation, the Major Gifts Officer will help drive expanded individual support for emerging organizational priorities.

This position is based in New York City, and at the current time, requires in-person work at least one day per week in GLI’s midtown office. Some evening work will be required, and GLI offers both a flex time and comp time policy.

Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Major Gifts (70%)

• Work closely with the Director of Development to identify, qualify, and build a dynamic portfolio of individual major donor prospects ($10K+).
• Manage this portfolio through all phases of the giving cycle, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the President’s Council, ensuring meaningful engagement, recognition, and growth in giving.
• Conduct donor meetings and solicitations, securing annual and multi-year commitments.
• Develop and implement annual and multi-year strategies for donor engagement and stewardship aligned with GLI’s philanthropic priorities.
• Create compelling proposals, reports, and impact communications in collaboration with program, marketing, finance, and development colleagues.
• Track donor interactions, moves, and strategies in Salesforce, maintaining accurate and timely records.

Event Strategy & Donor Engagement (20%)

• Partner with the events team to plan an annual events calendar.
• Leverage events (including salons, small gatherings, book prizes, and the annual gala) as opportunities to deepen relationships and identify new prospects.
• Provide strategic input on event guest lists to ensure participation from key donors and prospects, and coordinate seating/introductions to maximize engagement.
• Serve as a front-line representative of GLI at events, ensuring meaningful touchpoints with major donors and prospects.
• Collaborate with colleagues on event follow-up, ensuring timely stewardship and moves management to advance donor relationships.
• Work closely with trustees, the President’s Council, and other leadership volunteers to design and host cultivation opportunities.

Development Strategy & Team Collaboration (10%)

• Contribute to annual and long-term fundraising goals and strategic planning with the Director of Development.
• Support the Director of Development in developing a planned giving strategy for GLI.
• Support and expand GLI’s donor pipeline by conducting research, identifying new prospects, and leveraging networks.
• Strengthen stewardship and recognition strategies to increase donor retention and growth.
• Train and work closely with development staff on donor engagement, proposals, reports, and event materials, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on cultivation strategies, donor briefings, and communications.
• Recommend improvements to internal systems, databases, and operations to support donor engagement and efficiency.
• Perform other development-related duties and undertake projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Passion for GLI’s mission and enthusiasm for engaging with the breadth of American history and civics initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in a frontline fundraising role, with a strong understanding of fundraising principles, strategies, and sector trends.
• Proven success managing a donor portfolio, making solicitations, stewarding donors, and meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Self-starter with excellent judgment, discretion, and the ability to make independent decisions.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor correspondence and proposals.
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and growing Development department.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for donor meetings and to staff evening cultivation or stewardship events.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills to engage effectively with Board members, donors, scholars, and GLI colleagues.
• Ability to represent GLI with professionalism and enthusiasm to donors, external stakeholders, and the public.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and communicate clearly.
• Proficiency with fundraising tools and systems, including CRM platforms, email marketing tools, and donor communication strategies.

Compensation

Compensation range: $73,575–$103,000 annually; compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and other qualifications.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute offers a generous and inclusive benefits package, including employer-paid health, dental, disability, and life insurance, 401(k) and FSA plans, and paid time off in the first year of hire, including a paid winter recess from December 25 to 31. The Institute also reimburses 90% of the cost of tuition for the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman Master of Arts in American History.

To Apply

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume in a single file to hr@gilderlehrman.org.  Please include “Major Gifts Officer” in the subject line of your email. Please also let us know how you heard about the role. 

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, sex, gender identity, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, height, weight, or any other legally protected status. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, GLI encourages you to apply.

Contact Information

hr@gilderlehrman.org

Internship Program

The Gilder Lehrman Institute supports two internship cycles each year: academic-year internships and summer internships. While most internships are for college students, there may also be internships for high school and graduate school students. Internships are generally available in a variety of departments, including accounting, curatorial, development, digital, education, and marketing.

Learn more about our Internship Program.