Executive Director, Annual Giving
Apply NowCompany: Brandeis University
Location: Waltham, MA 02453
Description:
Are you an innovative and results-driven fundraising professional eager to make a lasting impact? Brandeis University-a globally recognized private research institution known for academic excellence and cutting-edge research-invites you to join our Institutional Advancement team as the Executive Director of Annual Giving (EDAG).
Located just outside Boston, Brandeis has a storied history of intellectual curiosity and social justice, deeply rooted in the vision of its founders. Today, we continue to drive change-from pioneering opioid policy research to achieving Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in biology. Now, under the leadership of Jordan Tannenbaum, '72 Brandeis Alumnus and Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, we are preparing for our next ambitious campaign, and we seek a strategic leader to take our Annual Giving program to new heights.
Your Role:
As the Executive Director of Annual Giving, you will be at the helm of Brandeis' multi-faceted fundraising strategy, driving participation among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends. You will develop innovative, data-driven approaches that inspire philanthropic support and cultivate a robust donor pipeline.
What You Will Do:
Who You Are:
Why Join Brandeis?
Are you ready to take Brandeis' annual giving program to the next level? Apply today and be part of something extraordinary!
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.
Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.
Located just outside Boston, Brandeis has a storied history of intellectual curiosity and social justice, deeply rooted in the vision of its founders. Today, we continue to drive change-from pioneering opioid policy research to achieving Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in biology. Now, under the leadership of Jordan Tannenbaum, '72 Brandeis Alumnus and Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, we are preparing for our next ambitious campaign, and we seek a strategic leader to take our Annual Giving program to new heights.
Your Role:
As the Executive Director of Annual Giving, you will be at the helm of Brandeis' multi-faceted fundraising strategy, driving participation among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends. You will develop innovative, data-driven approaches that inspire philanthropic support and cultivate a robust donor pipeline.
What You Will Do:
- Develop and Execute Strategy - Set ambitious goals to increase donor participation and unrestricted annual gifts through direct marketing, leadership giving, reunion campaigns, affinity-based fundraising, and volunteer engagement.
- Lead & Inspire - Oversee a dynamic team across Family Philanthropy, Direct Marketing, Annual Giving Officers, and Affinity Fundraising, empowering them to achieve new levels of success.
- Engage & Expand Volunteer Networks - Partner with key stakeholders to enhance fundraising committees, class giving initiatives, and special affinity groups such as the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) and Hillel.
- Manage a Portfolio of High-Impact Donors - Cultivate and steward leadership donors giving $1,000+ annually, with a particular focus on growing the Justice Brandeis Society.
- Analyze & Optimize Performance - Leverage data insights to refine engagement strategies and drive continued growth in participation and revenue.
Who You Are:
- Fundraising Trailblazer - 8-10+ years of experience leading successful multi-channel annual giving programs, preferably in higher education or nonprofit environments.
- Innovative Strategist - A deep understanding of donor behavior, digital fundraising, and volunteer engagement to drive participation and maximize impact.
- Collaborative Leader - A proven ability to manage high-performing teams, partner with institutional leaders, and engage diverse constituencies.
- Data-Driven Decision Maker - Expertise in analytics and reporting to optimize campaign performance and inform future fundraising efforts.
- Persuasive Communicator - Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to build strong relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.
Why Join Brandeis?
- Make a Meaningful Impact - Play a critical role in securing the resources that drive Brandeis' academic and research excellence.
- Be Part of a Mission-Driven Institution - Join a university deeply committed to social justice, intellectual discovery, and transformational education.
- Shape the Future of Annual Giving - Lead in an environment where innovation and ambition are highly valued.
- Travel & Engage - Enjoy opportunities to travel across the U.S., meeting with passionate donors and alumni.
Are you ready to take Brandeis' annual giving program to the next level? Apply today and be part of something extraordinary!
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.
Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.