Open Positions at the Gilder Lehrman Institute

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Development and Donor Communications Coordinator 

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 14 million students and 97,000 educators from 36,000 schools worldwide.  

The Role

Are you interested in building a career in development and joining a highly collaborative team that offers opportunities for you to engage in all aspects of fundraising? Are you passionate about fueling a mission-driven organization focused on American history education and civic engagement?

We are currently seeking a dynamic Development and Donor Communications Coordinator, reporting to the Associate Director of Development, to support donor engagement, development operations, prospect research, and cultivation events. As an integral member of GLI’s development team, the Coordinator role will provide critical support to individual giving strategy and will have significant room for growth in the future.    

The ideal candidate will have strong communications, project management, and collaboration skills and take pride in impeccable attention to detail.   

The Development and Donor Communications Coordinator will be joining GLI at a dynamic time as we continue to enhance and expand our nonpartisan K–12 and public programming in response to the urgent needs of the moment. 

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.  

Position Overview

The Development and Donor Communications Coordinator will help sustain and enhance critical fundraising and donor communications activities. This includes individual donor cultivation and broad-reaching donor communications through our primary outreach channels, working with our development and marketing teams on email distribution to prospects and donors.  

Specific responsibilities will include 

Donor Engagement and Donor Communication Support (40%) 

  • Support the Associate Director of Development in developing and implementing a comprehensive donor communications plan, incorporating strategies centered on formal appeals, special events, and stewardship and cultivation touchpoints 
  • Support the Associate Director of Development and other team members in drafting and designing donor communications materials, including formal appeal letters, one-pagers, and pitch decks
  • Create, distribute, and track fundraising deliverables like donor thank you and tax acknowledgement letters, invoices, and grant paperwork 
  • Update Salesforce with donor correspondence and donation-related documents and contact data, and lead weekly and quarterly income reconciliation with the Finance Department
  • Support mailings and campaigns by coordinating the list-building, design, and printing of direct mail pieces with the mailhouse  

Individual and Institutional Prospect and Donor Research to Support Moves Management (30%) 

  • Support development team senior leaders in identifying donors and prospects for research, informing priorities for the prospective and current donor pipeline, and framing recommended cultivation priorities and engagement strategies in key decision-making meetings  
  • Research individual and institutional prospects and donors using data sources like Salesforce, WealthEngine, and Candid’s Foundation Directory 
  • Prepare detailed prospect and donor research briefings   

VIP Cultivation Events (30%)

  • Support the Events Coordinator in managing the smooth execution of both exclusive VIP and large-scale events to maximize donor cultivation, providing support with invitation list generation and mailings, RSVP management, donation tracking, event collateral creation, and day-of event management  

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree  
  • Commitment to GLI’s mission and enthusiasm for engaging external audiences in the mission
  • Outstanding project, time management, and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to drive projects forward independently
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Team oriented with a desire to participate in creating a strong team culture
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and the ability to proactively ask for assistance with prioritization if project deliverables conflict
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
  • Experience using a database (Salesforce experience is a plus)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
  • Interest in learning about fundraising and developing database expertise
  • Ability to occasionally provide events logistics support after traditional business hours 

Compensation

Compensation range: $53,000–$61,800 annually, commensurate with candidate’s experience. Exceptional candidates may be considered for a higher salary and the title of Development Manager based on the depth of experience they demonstrate in fundraising and areas relevant to the job description.

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 “Development and Donor Communications Coordinator” 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. Frequently cited statistics show 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. 

Donor Database and Prospect Research 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 leveraging data and insights to drive positive change? Do you enjoy uncovering new donor prospects with the potential to fuel a cause that you truly care about?

We are currently seeking a Donor Database and Prospect Research Senior Manager, reporting to the Associate Director of Development, to support fundraising activity by leading the optimization and execution of database management and reporting, data analysis, and prospect research. The Manager 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 leveraging data analysis to drive revenue expansion, conducting individual and institutional prospect and donor research to direct moves management, and managing the database to amplify engagement strategies. The ideal candidate will be a skilled, detail-oriented database manager and prospect researcher with a strong background in fundraising.     

The newly created position of Donor Database and Prospect Research Senior Manager 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 establish new fundraising systems and processes in our Salesforce database to help lead our team to achieve the next level of revenue growth and deepen donor engagement in our cause. This position will benefit from working closely with GLI’s technology team, which oversees organizational uses of Salesforce beyond its fundraising functions.   

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.    

Position Overview

The Donor Database and Prospect Research Senior Manager will lead all data analysis and reporting, database management, and prospect research for the Development team.

Specific responsibilities will include

Data Analysis and Reporting to Drive Revenue Growth (40%) 

  • 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 develop a comprehensive reporting dashboard in Salesforce and a plan around data extraction 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 low-dollar and major donors and 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 to tap into donor behavior patterns and increase donor engagement and contributions.

Individual and Institutional Prospect and Donor Research to Direct Moves Management (30%) 

  • Lead research and identification for individual prospects and donors using data sources like Salesforce and WealthEngine to inform pipeline priorities for the Development team.
  • Lead research and identification for institutional prospects and donors using data sources like Candid’s Foundation Directory to inform pipeline priorities for the Development team.
  • Prepare detailed prospect and donor research briefings and present recommended cultivation priorities and engagement strategies in key decision-making meetings.

Database Management and Maintenance to Optimize Fundraising Performance (30%)  

  • Manage and maintain prospect and donor records in the Salesforce CRM, ensuring accurate data entry and upkeep. 
  • Oversee gift processing and production of acknowledgment letters, supported by data entry from staff and/or interns; lead weekly and quarterly income reconciliation with the Finance Department. 
  • Work with the Development team’s Events Coordinator to create and implement effective systems for managing event invitation, attendance, and follow-up data.
  • 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.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree  
  • Commitment to GLI’s mission and enthusiasm for leveraging data and research to amplify our impact 
  • Progressive experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization with a focus on donor data management and engagement
  • Expertise in Salesforce CRM specifically as used to support fundraising (Nonprofit Success Package or similar package preferred) 
  • 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 skills in written and verbal communication and in Excel 
  • Understanding of fundraising principles and practices 

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 Prospect Research 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. 

Staff Accountant

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, the Gilder Lehrman Institute 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 around the globe. Through public events, publications, posters, videos, exhibitions, essays, and a dedicated website rich in primary sources, the Institute brings every period of American history to life. The Institute’s 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 fourteen million students and 97,000 teachers from more than 36,000 schools worldwide.

The Position

GLI is currently seeking a Staff Accountant to manage the internal accounting of the organization and be a key member of the finance team. Responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable including PO processing, budgets, grant and project reporting, monthly and year-end close management, audit prep work, sales tax filing, and 1099 filing. The Staff Accountant will work closely with all departments across the organization.

The right candidate will have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to communicate clearly and effectively, a keen attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.

This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and helps supervise the Nonprofit Accounting and HR Intern. 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. The anticipated start date is Monday, March 10, 2025.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable (70%)
    • Manage accounts payable, including processing and approving invoices, expense reimbursements, and check requests
    • Manage accounts receivable, including following up with vendors, generating daily cash reports, and reconciling donations with fundraising team
    • Process income from several payment platforms
    • Process purchase orders from multiple educational institutions
  • Budget & Financial Reporting (15%)
    • Prepare recurring and adjusting journal entries
    • Generate budget reports and work with all program managers to update budget forecasts on a quarterly basis
    • Create grant and project-based reporting monthly for project managers and stakeholders
    • Provide support in both the monthly and year-end financial closing processes
    • Prepare investment schedules for the Institute’s endowment portfolio
  • Audit and Annual Filings (10%)
    • Assist CFO with annual audit preparation
    • Manage state sales tax filings for all products sold by GLI
    • File vendor 1099s with the IRS
  • Additional responsibilities as required (5%)
    • Monitoring department inbox
    • Responding to requests and inquiries

Requirements

  • Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in Accounting
  • CPA preferred but not required
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
  • Experience with QuickBooks preferred
  • Experience with Salesforce and Authorize.net a plus
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • An ability to handle all situations with a calm and professional approach, and demonstrated ability to problem-solve under pressure
  • Punctuality and reliability
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Connection to the Institute’s mission, American history, and/or K–12 education a plus

Compensation

Compensation range: $57,400–$72,100 annually; compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute offers a generous and inclusive benefits package, including health, dental, disability, and life insurance, 401(k) employer contribution, Flexible Spending Account plans, and paid time off in the first year of hire, including a paid winter recess from December 25 to January 1. The Gilder Lehrman Institute also offers generous tuition reimbursement for courses taken in the Gettysburg College-Gilder Lehrman MA in American History program. 

To Apply

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume in a single file to hr@gilderlehrman.org and include “Staff Accountant” 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.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Gilder Lehrman Institute will only contact applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best meet the position's requirements.

Adjunct Section Professor

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, the Gilder Lehrman Institute 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 around the globe. Through public events, publications, posters, videos, exhibitions, essays, and a dedicated website rich in primary sources, the Institute brings every period of American history to life. The Institute’s 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 fourteen million students and 97,000 teachers from more than 36,000 schools worldwide.

The Position

In partnership with Gettysburg College, the Gilder Lehrman Institute is currently seeking a historian who can advise and grade students enrolled in online graduate courses in American history. Courses are part of the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History, a fully online master’s degree program for K–12 educators that averages over 800 enrollments per semester. The Adjunct Section Professor will be asked to work with one or two sections of students (each section capped at 25 students) enrolled in a course designed by a lead professor who has developed the syllabus and recorded course lectures.

The right candidate will have a PhD in American history, experience working with online learners, and a passion for K–12 education.

This role reports to the Assistant Director of the MA Program and the Director of Academic Strategy. The position is remote. Some weekend and evening hours are required. Employment starts on May 15, 2025, and ends on September 15, 2025. Candidates with a record of excellent work in this program will be considered for reappointment in future semesters.  

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Moderate student discussion boards
  • Create writing prompts and grade student writing
  • Communicate regularly with enrolled students through email, the learning management system, and Zoom
  • Support students with other tasks as required

Requirements

  • PhD in American history
  • Knowledge of a variety of American history eras and subfields
  • Experience with Moodle OpenLMS or a similar learning management system
  • Experience working with online learners
  • Experience grading student work and delivering targeted feedback in a timely fashion
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • A passion for K–12 education and supporting K–12 educators

To Apply

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and statement of teaching philosophy in a single file to hr@gilderlehrman.org. Please include “Adjunct Section Professor” in the subject line of your email. Please also let us know how you heard about the role.

GLI will request an official copy of the candidate’s graduate transcript before hiring.

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.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Gilder Lehrman Institute will only contact applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best meet the position’s requirements.