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Sesame Workshop Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sesame Workshop

Director, Major Gifts

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$110K - $130K/yr

About Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating ...

Sesame Workshop

Director, Major Gifts

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

About Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating ...

Sesame Workshop

Chief Development Officer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$400K - $425K/yr

About Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating ...

Sesame Workshop

Chief Development Officer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$400K - $425K/yr

About Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating ...

Partners Capital

Associate, Fund Controller

Boston, MA · On-site

Clients include Syracuse University, Sesame Workshop, INSEAD Business School, New York's Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Symphony, Eton College, Colorado College, several Oxford and Cambridge ...

Partners Capital

Senior IT Support Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Clients include Syracuse University, Sesame Workshop, INSEAD Business School, New York's Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Symphony, Eton College, Colorado College, several Oxford and Cambridge ...

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$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do sesame workshop jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sesame workshop in the United States is $102,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money does Sesame Workshop make?

Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit organization that generates revenue primarily through licensing, merchandise, and content distribution. Its financial reports show annual revenues in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars, supporting its educational programming and initiatives.

What is the highest paying job to work with children?

In roles related to working with children, executive positions such as director or senior management in educational organizations or media companies like Sesame Workshop tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, leadership skills, and extensive experience, and they oversee program development, strategic planning, and organizational management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at Sesame Workshop, and why are they important?

To thrive at Sesame Workshop, you generally need expertise in education, media production, or child development, supported by a relevant degree and professional experience. Familiarity with digital content creation tools, project management systems, and educational technology platforms is often required. Creativity, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are standout soft skills for effectively engaging diverse audiences and working in cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for developing impactful, inclusive content that fulfills Sesame Workshop's educational mission.

What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of working at Sesame Workshop compared to other media organizations?

Working at Sesame Workshop presents the unique challenge of creating content that is both educational and entertaining for children worldwide. Employees must balance creative storytelling with research-based educational goals, often collaborating closely with educators, producers, and artists. The rewards include contributing to projects that have a meaningful, positive impact on early childhood development and being part of a mission-driven organization. Team members often work in a collaborative, innovative environment that encourages fresh ideas and supports professional growth.

What is Sesame Workshop and what does it do?

Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization best known for creating the beloved children's television program 'Sesame Street.' The organization is dedicated to helping children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder through research-based content, media, and outreach initiatives. In addition to television shows, Sesame Workshop produces educational materials, digital content, and community programs that support early childhood learning and development worldwide. Their work addresses a wide range of topics, including literacy, numeracy, emotional well-being, and social issues.

What is the difference between Sesame Workshop vs Child Development Specialist?

AspectSesame WorkshopChild Development Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a background in education, psychology, or related fields; often holds a master's degree or higherRequires degrees in child development, psychology, education, or related fields; certifications may include child development associate (CDA)
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organization focused on educational media, TV shows, and outreach programsEducational settings, clinics, research institutions, or nonprofit organizations
Industry UsageMedia production, educational content creation, nonprofit outreachEarly childhood education, research, program development

Sesame Workshop develops educational media and content for children, while Child Development Specialists focus on assessing and supporting children's developmental needs in various settings. The two roles share a background in child development but differ in their primary functions and work environments.

How much does Sesame Workshop pay?

Salaries at Sesame Workshop vary depending on the role, experience, and location. Entry-level positions such as administrative or production roles typically start around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, while more specialized or senior roles can pay significantly higher. Compensation often includes benefits like health insurance and paid time off, and salaries are generally competitive within the nonprofit media industry.

How much do Sesame Place workers make?

Sesame Place workers, including ride operators and entertainment staff, typically earn minimum wage or slightly above, with pay rates around $10 to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. Salaries can vary based on role, seniority, and seasonal employment status.
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What cities are hiring for Sesame Workshop jobs? Cities with the most Sesame Workshop job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Sesame Workshop jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sesame Workshop jobs are:
Sesame Workshop jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sesame Workshop job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 5% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Director, Major Gifts

Director, Major Gifts

Sesame Workshop

Manhattan, NY • Remote

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 190 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.


Job Summary

The Revenue and Philanthropy Department is a major contributor to Sesame Workshop’s $150 million annual budget and works closely with our Distribution team and International Offices to advance the organization’s broader revenue goals.

Sesame Workshop sees a significant growth opportunity in the Major Gifts and Planned Giving space and is building a team to unlock this potential. The Director of Major Gifts role will be a critical part of this new team, helping to establish the business processes and build the donor relationships that bring it to life.

The Director, Major Gifts is a key senior-level frontline fundraiser responsible for securing significant philanthropic support to advance Sesame Workshop’s mission. Reporting to the Vice President of Major Gifts, this position drives the development and execution of major gift strategies for a portfolio that includes high-net-worth individual donors and family foundations. The Director will provide strategic fundraising execution, manage relationships, oversee written communication, and contribute to the overall success of the Major Gifts program.


Responsibilities

  • Portfolio management: Manage and grow a portfolio of 100-125 high-capacity individual donors and family foundation prospects, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts at the $10,000+ level.
  • Fundraising strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive, individualized moves management strategies for donors in the portfolio, from identification and qualification to solicitation and stewardship.
  • High-level solicitation: Personally solicit and secure major and principal gifts by crafting compelling proposals and presentations that align donor and family foundation interests with Sesame Workshop's funding priorities.
  • Strategic collaboration: Work closely with the Vice President of Major Gifts, the Executive Team, and Board members to facilitate and support high-level donor and foundation engagement.
  • Team mentorship: Provide informal coaching and guidance to other Major Gift Officers (MGOs), sharing expertise and modeling best practices in donor and family foundation engagement.
  • Prospect identification: Partner with the Director of Research to proactively identify new major gift and family foundation prospects, leveraging AI-powered insights to expand the pipeline.
  • Events & visibility: Participate in donor and foundation cultivation events, program showcases, and other strategic gatherings to build relationships and move prospects through the pipeline.
  • CRM management: Ensure accurate records of all donor and foundation interactions, proposals, and gift statuses within the Salesforce CRM, in partnership with the Revenue Operations team.
  • Programmatic knowledge: Develop and maintain a deep knowledge of Sesame Workshop's programs, priorities, and global impact to effectively articulate the case for support to all funders.


Engagement:

The Director, Major Gifts engages regularly with internal and external partners to advance donor and foundation relationships. Internally, the role collaborates closely with the Vice President of Major Gifts and the growing Major Gifts team; program, events, and communications teams; Revenue Operations; and executive leadership to craft compelling donor strategies and ensure alignment with organizational priorities. Externally, the Director represents Sesame Workshop in meetings with high-net-worth individuals, family foundation representatives, board members, and other key stakeholders. The role plays a visible, relationship-centered function—building trust, managing high-level interactions, and serving as an ambassador for Sesame Workshop’s mission and impact.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
  • 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising, with a demonstrated track record of closing five- to seven-figure gifts from both individuals and family foundations.
  • Proven expertise in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and family foundations.
  • Exceptional proposal writing, reporting, and communication skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • High proficiency in using CRM systems for fundraising, preferably Salesforce.
  • Ability to travel regularly for donor and foundation meetings and events.
  • Deeply committed to the mission of Sesame Workshop and its global impact.


Preferred Qualifications

Experience in media, social impact, and early childhood development fundraising is strongly preferred.


Sesame Workshop Hybrid Work Policy

This position is based at our headquarters office in New York (Manhattan) at 1900 Broadway, New York, NY, and follows a hybrid work model. In-office requirements vary by role and employee group, and currently range from two to five designated in-office days per week.


Pay Transparency Policy Statement

As a federal contractor, Sesame Workshop follows Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions as guided by the U.S. Department of Lab


Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE) Statement

Sesame Workshop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy-related condition, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

PSEA Statement

Sesame Workshop is an equal-opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on the business needs, job requirements & suitability of the candidate. Sesame Workshop strictly follows the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of program participants from exploitation and to clarify the responsibilities of Sesame Workshop staff, consultants, visitors to the program and partner organization, and the standards of behavior expected from them.