Assistant Director, Annual Giving

Brandeis University•Waltham, MA

1d•$70,300 - $76,300

About The Position

Are you a dynamic, relationship-driven professional passionate about philanthropy and higher education? Brandeis University is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to strategically manage a robust portfolio of alumni, parents, and friends—helping advance the University’s most important initiatives. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives on building meaningful donor relationships, achieving ambitious fundraising goals, and representing a leading research university with sophistication and energy. The hiring range for this position is $70,300 - $76,300. There are multiple positions available. What You Will Do Portfolio Management & Fundraising (70%) Manage a portfolio of ~500 prospects across the Northeast and an additional U.S. region Conduct 175+ face-to-face visits annually, including 50 discovery meetings with new prospects Execute 25+ $5K+ solicitations per year, with annual revenue targets of $500K–$1M+ Secure multi-year commitments of $10K+ and identify prospects for major gifts, principal gifts, and planned giving Build and advance meaningful donor relationships from discovery to solicitation and stewardship Travel, Discovery & Campus Engagement (25%) Plan and execute regional travel to engage donors, prospects, and volunteers Organize campus visits, connecting donors with faculty, staff, and university leadership Act as a University ambassador at events and during engagement opportunities in assigned territories Communication & Data Management (5%) Collaborate with Advancement colleagues and University staff to maximize donor engagement Maintain accurate and current donor records, strategies, and correspondence in the database What We’re Looking For Education: BA/BS required Experience: 2–4 years in fundraising, alumni engagement, or related roles (higher ed or nonprofit preferred) Proven ability to solicit and close philanthropic gifts of $1,000+ Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills Strategic, detail-oriented self-starter capable of managing multiple priorities Willingness to travel frequently and work occasional evenings/weekends Why Brandeis? Brandeis University is a nationally recognized research institution, committed to academic excellence, social justice, and creating opportunities for meaningful alumni engagement. Join a collaborative team where your work directly fuels the University’s mission and impact. Ready to make a difference? If you are energized by building relationships, achieving results, and advancing a mission-driven institution, we invite you to apply. Pay Range Disclosure The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. Equal Opportunity Statement Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class"). COME WORK WITH US Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright. We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it — by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall. Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class"). Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, [email protected]. The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review the Human Resources Office website. Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at http://www.brandeis.edu/human-resources/onboarding/index.html

Requirements

BA/BS required
2–4 years in fundraising, alumni engagement, or related roles (higher ed or nonprofit preferred)
Proven ability to solicit and close philanthropic gifts of $1,000+
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
Strategic, detail-oriented self-starter capable of managing multiple priorities
Willingness to travel frequently and work occasional evenings/weekends

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of ~500 prospects across the Northeast and an additional U.S. region
Conduct 175+ face-to-face visits annually, including 50 discovery meetings with new prospects
Execute 25+ $5K+ solicitations per year, with annual revenue targets of $500K–$1M+
Secure multi-year commitments of $10K+ and identify prospects for major gifts, principal gifts, and planned giving
Build and advance meaningful donor relationships from discovery to solicitation and stewardship
Plan and execute regional travel to engage donors, prospects, and volunteers
Organize campus visits, connecting donors with faculty, staff, and university leadership
Act as a University ambassador at events and during engagement opportunities in assigned territories
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues and University staff to maximize donor engagement
Maintain accurate and current donor records, strategies, and correspondence in the database