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OPEN POSITION – GALA ASSISTANT

About the Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Founded by artists Jasper Johns and John Cage in 1963, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts (FCA) mission is to encourage, sponsor, and promote contemporary visual and performance arts. Through a nomination process, individual artists and collectives working in dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and the visual arts are awarded unrestricted grants in recognition of their artistic contributions. A fund is also maintained to help artists with unexpected emergencies. Since FCA’s inception, over 7,000 grants to artists and arts organizations—totaling more than $25 million—have provided opportunities for creative exploration and development. FCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity and raises funds through contributions from individuals and foundations and the sale of artwork donated by visual artists for periodic benefit exhibitions.

Job Description
FCA is seeking a temporary, part-time Gala Assistant to work closely with, and report to, the Deputy Director. This position will play an active role in realizing FCA’s 60th Anniversary Gala to be held October 5, 2023, together with FCA staff and a contracted event planner.

FCA is committed to access, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the perspective and contributions of staff to achieving all aspects of our mission.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing gala event and production timelines
• Draft and execute communication to prospective guests and supporters
• Prepare materials for leadership meetings, including Gala and Artist Co-Chair Committees
• Update and manage prospect lists, database groups, and contact records
• Assist with logistics planning for artistic program participants and coordinate with vendors
• Track and process gala contributions and draft acknowledgment letters
• Support guest list management
• Assist with gala-related communications, including website, press materials, and social media content

Ideal Qualifications

• 1-2 years of development or event management experience, preferably in arts or cultural institutions
• Ability to work well and build relationships with stakeholders
• Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and solution-driven in approach
• Strong organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Mac OS and Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge of ArtBase or other database system, email marketing software, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and website CMS tools is a plus

Compensation and Hours
$30-$35/hour for a 16-20 hour (2-3 day/week) role that is expected to continue from May through October 2023. This is an in-person position. This position will accrue paid vacation and personal days and paid sick leave on a prorated basis.

Health and Safety
FCA requires that all of its employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions from the vaccination requirement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for medical (including medical reasons relating to pregnancy) and/or for religious/sincerely held beliefs.

Equal Opportunity Employment
FCA is committed to providing access, accessibility, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for disabled people and individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to access or participate in the job application or interview process, and/or to perform essential job functions please contact Ana Bloch, 212-807-7077, ab@contemporary-arts.org.

To Apply
Please email cover letter and resume to jobs@contemporary-arts.org with subject line “Development and Communications Associate Search.” Preference will be given to applications received by May 30.

If you believe that you could excel in this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds.

Download an accessible PDF of this listing.

INTERNSHIPS

FCA offers semester-long and summer internships to undergraduate and graduate students. Given the small size of the FCA staff, interns are given meaningful projects that provide an in-depth exposure to a nonprofit arts organization.

Semester-long interns are asked to make a two day minimum weekly commitment for a minimum of twelve weeks. Summer interns are asked to make a full-time commitment for a minimum of ten weeks. FCA is pleased to offer a stipend to semester and summer interns.

Selection is made on the basis of the applicant's interest in contemporary art, performance, music, and dance and/or the applicant's interest in fund-raising and development, and the desire to have a meaningful work experience. Applicants should be responsible, organized, motivated and detail oriented individuals with good writing skills, computer skills and a professional phone manner.

The application process is ongoing. Summer interns must apply by March 15 to be considered. Academic semester interns may apply at any time. To apply please email a resume and cover letter detailing how your background and coursework will contribute as well as what you wish to gain from the internship to:

Internship Program
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
820 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10014
info@contemporary-arts.org