Assistant Director, Business & Development

Posted:
9/11/2025, 5:15:42 AM

Location(s):
Boston, Massachusetts, United States ⋅ Massachusetts, United States

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Business & Strategy ⋅ Sales & Account Management

Workplace Type:
On-site

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The Assistant Director, Business & Development position reports to the Managing Editor of Ploughshares and will ensure that all financial obligations of the journal are met. Additionally, this position will monitor and account for revenue generated, including business-to-business sales and gift income from fundraising efforts, oversee consultants contracted to contribute to Ploughshares, and research and apply for grants. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to build professional relationships, and strong budgeting skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  • Create and manage the department budget.
  • Maintain accurate records of spending and revenue.
  • Plan and execute fundraising initiatives and events, including an annual appeal and in-person and virtual benefits
  • Identify and research prospective donors and execute gift solicitations to grow and maintain donation revenue.
  • Serve as a point person for board members and regular donors.
  • Oversee contracted consultants, ensuring that all relevant documentation is complete.
  • Submit payment requests for all department expenses.
  • Conduct outreach to businesses for sales opportunities to generate revenue.
  • Assist with strategizing sales initiatives.
  • Collaborate with other personnel, the department, and external parties as necessary to meet the department's objectives.
  • Provide guidance and training to other staff as required.
  • Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in business and/or finance, or equivalent experience in university/nonprofit settings required
  • 3+ years of previous experience in finance, accounting, or development required, to include experience in mailed fundraising campaigns and in donor prospecting and cultivation
  • Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – This may be representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job. 

  • Knowledge of accounting for donations, grants, and gift funds
  • Demonstrated interest in literature and the arts and/or experience with literary organizations
  • Intermediate to Expert proficiency in MS Excel and the ability to learn new software easily
  • Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written communication skills, and the ability to write a range of public-facing documents related to fundraising, events, financial reporting, and sales pitches
  • Strong customer service and project management skills
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow through on tasks and requests
  • Ability to maintain multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize tasks

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • This position is generally sedentary in nature; however, movement throughout the area is required from time to time.
  • Continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
  • Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping, and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding, and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

  • General office conditions.
  • Exposed to moderate noise levels

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.  Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $64,500.00 - $79,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: S-23-08E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division: Division of Academic Affairs

This position will be exclusively represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 888 for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.