ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS

Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets is the nation’s leading champion of poets and poetry with supporters in all fifty states. Its mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry.

The organization annually awards a total of $1.25 million to more than 200 poets at various stages of their careers. The organization also produces Poets.org, the world’s largest publicly funded website for poets and poetry; established and organizes National Poetry Month each April; publishes the popular Poem-a-Day series and American Poets magazine; provides award-winning resources to K–12 educators, including the Teach This Poem series; hosts an annual series of poetry readings and special events; and coordinates a national Poetry Coalition working to promote the value poets bring to our culture. Taken together, the Academy reaches more than 2 million individuals each month.

In addition to its mission, the Academy staff is guided by the organization’s values, which include anti-racism, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership.

The Academy of American Poets is based in New York, NY.

Development Coordinator

The Development Coordinator is a full-time position that reports to the Director of Development and assists in work to grow the base of supporters of the organization to meet fundraising goals. This position helps maintain the organization’s donor database and supports the membership program, individual giving, donor advised funds, grants, and special events functions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:  

Database management 

  • Process all organization contributions, including mail, online, direct deposit/ACH, and grant funds
  • Maintain data hygiene, assist in the creation of data management processes, and participate in regular upkeep of the donor database
  • Process donor acknowledgement letters
  • Produce monthly membership renewal notices
  • Fulfill membership benefits mailings in-line with membership benefit calendar
  • Assist in the production of direct-mail campaigns according to the annual fundraising calendar
  • Assist with online fundraising campaigns according to the annual fundraising calendar
  • Respond to email, mail, and phone inquiries from members and donors
  • Assist in the production of special mailings as needed
  • Reconcile fundraising income in coordination with Development and Finance departments 
  • Produce regular reports on membership and major gifts, as requested
  • Maintain the recurring gift program

Special Events

  • Produce donor acknowledgement letters
  • Work with Development team to produce invitations and mailings
  • Assist as with Special Events necessary

Development communications

  • Collaborate with Development and Content teams in producing monthly member newsletter
  • Update member newsletter subscribers database according to the monthly schedule
  • Assist in the creation of thank-you communications 

Commitments & Competencies:

  • 1-3 years experience in nonprofit development work
  • 1-3 years experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred or similar CRM
  • 1-3 years experience with Mailchimp or similar email marketing platform preferred
  • 1-3 years experience with InDesign or similar page layout platform preferred
  • Impeccable communication skills, written and oral, and attention to details
  • Commitment to excellence in database administration
  • Commitment to providing excellent customer service  
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative work style
  • Ability to balance multiple constituencies
  • Ability to manage multiple projects  
  • Ability to work independently and be self-directed, as well as part of a team
  • A passion for poetry, literature, and the arts, a plus

Compensation:  The salary range for this role is $48K to $54K, depending on experience level.

Benefits:  Health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off (in year one: 10 vacation days, 5 sick days, 3 personal days, summer hours and a season break, 12 holidays), 403b Savings Plan (with employer match after two years).

Location:  The office is located in New York City, and the Academy operates in a hybrid manner - three days in the office and two days remote. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: The Academy of American Poets is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply. The Academy of American Poets does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristics protected by law. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Interested applicants may email a cover letter and resume to Sheryl Woodruff, Director of Development. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  

No calls please.