Assistant Director, Donor Communications

Posting Details

Position Information

• Position Title: Assistant Director, Donor Communications
• Department: Advancement
• Position Number: 130

Position Summary The American Museum of Natural History is one of the worlds preeminent scientific and cultural institutions and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Advancement department is seeking a full-time Assistant Director, Donor Communications. A skilled writer and collaborative team member, the Assistant Director excels at shaping stories from across the Museum that demonstrate both the significance of the Museums work and the opportunities for donor support to deepen that impact.

Responsible for creating donor-facing materials, the Assistant Director partners directly with frontline fundraisers, Advancement leadership, and colleagues across the Museum to gather information, develop donor communications materials, and manage these projects from concept through completion. This position requires strong writing and editing abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. The ideal candidate understands how compelling storytelling drives philanthropic engagement.

Job Duties Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Translate complex institutional initiatives, scientific research, and programmatic work into clear, engaging language for donor audiences.
• Develop and write original donor-facing communications, including impact briefs, program summaries, pitch presentations, talking points, donor newsletters, website copy, and other Advancement materials highlighting the Museums work and the role of philanthropy.
• Research and gather information from programmatic departments, scientists, educators, and others across the Museum to identify and develop compelling stories about institutional initiatives, strategic priorities, and the impact of philanthropy.
• Collaborate with frontline fundraisers to develop coordinated evergreen and communications materials for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Edit and refine communications materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with institutional branding, writing, and visual standards, partnering closely with other departments.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and ensure consistency with templates, guidelines, and messaging.
• Manage multiple donor communications projects simultaneously with Advancement partners, tracking project timelines, feedback, and revisions to meet deadlines and ensure alignment.
• Maintain organized systems for drafts, approvals, and final materials while refining donor communications best practices and workflows.
• Staff periodic Advancement events in the evening or on weekends as needed.

Compensation The expected salary range for the Assistant Director, Donor Communications is $80,000 - $90,000 annually.

The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors including but not limited to skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in English, communications, museum studies, a field aligned with this positions mission (e.g., anthropology, science), or another related field.
• Five years progressively responsible experience in advancement, communications, donor relations, development, or another related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to shift writing style to fit purpose, audience, voice, and tone.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, project planning, and time management.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to critically examine information and ask probing questions.
• Fluency in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in communications, marketing, or writing in an advancement/development office at a nonprofit or cultural institution.
• Proficiency working with design software such as Photoshop, InDesign, or Canva.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.

Employment Details

• Category: Full-Time
• Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period: 70
• Union Status: Non-Union
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Expected Salary Minimum: $80,000 annually
• Expected Salary Maximum: $90,000 annually

EEO Statement The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs, or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, and lactation accommodations), alienage, or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law.

Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history in each case to the extent provided by law.

Posting Detail Information

• Posting Number: GS988P
• Open Date: 03/25/2026
• Close Date: Open Until Filled
• Yes:

Special Instructions to ApplicantsSupplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a bachelors degree or higher in English, communications, museum studies, a field aligned with this positions mission (e.g., anthropology, science), or another related field? [Yes / No]
• Do you have five years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, communications, donor relations, development, or another related field? [Yes / No]
• Do you have exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to shift writing style to fit purpose, audience, voice, and tone? [Yes / No]
• Do you have demonstrated experience in project management, project planning, and time management? [Yes / No]

Documents Needed To Apply

• Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter
• Optional Documents: None listed