Assistant Director, Foundation Relations and Stewardship

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 262886

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: UNIVERSITY

Date: Oct 29, 2025

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Assistant Director, Foundation Relations and Stewardship at the Nasher Museum of Art, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports innovative exhibitions and programs. You’ll help elevate the museum’s mission to build a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art, with a focus on historically underrepresented artists.

Be Bold.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Nasher Museum has earned a global reputation for forward-thinking exhibitions. In this role, you’ll lead the full grant lifecycle and donor stewardship efforts, ensuring our programs continue to thrive through strong foundation and corporate support.

What You’ll Do:

Grants and Sponsorships

Research and pursue grant opportunities and corporate sponsorships in alignment with Duke and agency policies.
Collaborate with the Business Office to monitor and reconcile grant expenses.
Manage grant applications and reporting by gathering impact data across museum departments.

Stewardship

Partner with the Database and Administrative Coordinator to develop creative donor stewardship strategies.
Support annual and ad hoc stewardship efforts for endowed/non-endowed funds and capital projects.
Prepare comprehensive stewardship reports, including those for the Board of Advisors.

Relationship Development

Collaborate with Duke University Development Foundation Relations to build funding pipelines.
Represent the Nasher Museum at events and functions, both on- and off-site.

Other Duties

Contribute to the museum’s dynamic environment with flexibility, creativity, and a sense of humor.

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $61,535.00 to USD $95,880.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

We’re looking for someone with:

A bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in fundraising, customer relations, marketing, or sales.
Strong technical writing skills (writing sample required).
Proven communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a commitment to confidentiality.
A collaborative spirit and a passion for the arts.

Preferred Qualifications:

5 years of experience in development, research/data analysis, or an arts-related position.
Experience working in museums or higher education.
Demonstrated success in technical grant writing.
Ability to manage multiple projects, shift priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
Strong writing skills and a customer service mindset.
Creativity, adaptability, and diplomatic skills.
Familiarity with Duke University and its systems.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), exempt, benefits-eligible position. A cover letter is required along with a resume.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future — through art, innovation, and bold ideas.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.