Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts

Brandeis University • Waltham, MA

59d

About The Position

Brandeis University invites dynamic and driven development professionals to apply for the role of Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy at a top-tier research institution by growing and strengthening a portfolio of major gift prospects. In this role, you will strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 175 prospects with the capacity to make gifts between $100,000 and $500,000. At the outset, your focus will be on qualification visits and building a robust pipeline of future major donors who will support the University for years to come. You will partner with senior leaders, faculty, and development colleagues to connect donors with programs and initiatives that align with the President's vision and institutional priorities. Your work will play a critical role in advancing Brandeis' mission and securing transformational support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive development or fundraising experience, including major gifts.
• Proven success securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and creative approach to building a major gift pipeline.
• Exceptional relationship management and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite; Salesforce or similar CRM experience highly preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Highly organized with exceptional follow-through and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Experience partnering with institutional leadership or faculty is strongly preferred.
• Salesforce or similar CRM experience highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and qualify a new portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Conduct at least 120 strategic, face-to-face visits each year with individuals, families, and foundations capable of five- and six-figure gifts.
• Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to successfully secure major gifts.
• Advance relationships from identification through solicitation and stewardship, meeting personal and programmatic fundraising goals.
• Serve as an Institutional Advancement liaison in assigned regions, collaborating with colleagues to identify high-value prospects and align donor interests with University priorities.
• Engage alumni, parents, and friends through regional strategies, high-level events, and individual outreach to deepen their connection to the University.
• Partner with senior University administrators and faculty during donor meetings to showcase programs and initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees