Job Description

Date: June 29, 2026

Department: Development

Reports to: Associate Director of Development

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, full-time with benefits

Salary range: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour depending on experience

This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies, please.

Please submit a cover letter with your application.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it’s a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

The Development Assistant is a key member of the Development team, which is responsible for raising the essential funds that support the Museum’s annual operating budget and strengthen the institutional endowment for the long term future. The Development Assistant will provide administrative support for the Development Office, focusing on several main objectives within the department which include: supporting the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in internal and external fundraising activities; providing support with meeting planning, preparation, and logistics; drafting appeals, acknowledgement letters, and reports; supporting the ongoing work of the boards and committees of the Gardner; keeping appropriate records updated and tracking philanthropic opportunities and credit lines; staffing events; and managing office supplies and mail.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities

• Supports the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and general Development team operations
• Aids with meeting planning, preparation, calendar coordination, and logistics
• Drafts individualized and detailed acknowledgement letters
• Formats proposals and reports
• Assists with the ongoing work of the boards and committees
• Helps with physical mailings and Gala preparation
• Updates records in the Client Record Management system and tracks credit lines
• Answers Development phone and email lines, provides customer service, and fields requests
• Tables for development events, which may take place during the evening or weekends
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Development or Chief Development Officer

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with an interest in the development field
• Strong project management skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow through
• Excellent writing and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills, particularly with Google Workspace
• Eagerness to learn, collaborate, and work as part of a team
• Availability to work evenings and weekends when needed
• Commitment to advancing the ISGM’s strategic initiatives
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Satisfactory background check

Desirable

• Museum and/or non-profit experience
• Familiarity with fundraising/client relationship management (CRM) databases, especially Tessitura
• Comfortable navigating Microsoft Office tools like Excel and PowerPoint

Competencies

• Analytical and Forward Thinking
• Customer Service Orientation
• Thoroughness
• Initiative
• Adaptability

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request an Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to access ISGM's online application system fully may contact us at hr@isgm.org for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.