Director of Advancement

MIT • Cambridge, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Advancement serves as a strategic champion for the Media Lab’s vision and mission, crafting compelling narratives that inspire stakeholders and catalyze transformational philanthropic outcomes. This role is intended for an innovative, entrepreneurial fundraising professional with experience in STEM, technology, and higher education development. The Director expands revenue by diversifying fundraising channels and elevating stewardship practices, cultivates and manages a robust prospect pipeline, and partners with faculty and Lab leadership to identify and develop revenue opportunities that advance the Lab’s strategic, mission-critical initiatives. Typical gifts handled by this role range from the upper six figures to greater than $1 million. The position is hybrid, with three days per week onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts, or onsite as needed. Applicants should submit a cover letter.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least seven years of successful fundraising experience in emerging technologies and entrepreneurial environments, using creative and innovative strategies.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, senior administrators, MIT leaders, and high-profile business leaders.
• Excellent organizational, project-management, and time-management skills, including the ability to juggle competing priorities.
• Strong judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Dynamic communication skills and ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to craft compelling written materials and deliver impactful presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/prospect-management systems.
• Passion for collaborating with students, faculty, and researchers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or training in STEM-related fields.
• Experience in higher education or another nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities

• Champion the Media Lab’s vision and mission with stakeholders.
• Craft compelling narratives that inspire stakeholders and support philanthropic outcomes.
• Expand revenue through diversified fundraising channels and elevated stewardship practices.
• Cultivate and manage a robust prospect pipeline.
• Partner with faculty and Lab leadership to identify and develop revenue opportunities advancing the Lab’s strategic, mission-critical initiatives.
• Manage fundraising efforts involving typical gifts in the upper six-figure to greater-than-$1 million range.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director