The Opportunity

Brandeis University – a distinguished top-tier private research university recognized for its academic excellence and leading-edge research – has an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Brandeis is dedicated to first-rate undergraduate education while making groundbreaking scientific discoveries, advancing artistic and creative expression, and tackling some of society’s most pressing economic, human rights, and health policy issues. Brandeis offers a culture of learning and mentorship essential to a 21st-century liberal arts education where close relationships with professors and research opportunities enable students at all levels to collaborate with faculty members and peers across the institution. Established as a nonsectarian university in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community, our visionary founders shared a commitment to social justice and to making the world a better place. Our founders’ pioneering spirit and intellectual pursuits continue today at Brandeis – from helping to solve a national public health crisis through work at its Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, to the biological discoveries that, in 2017, earned two faculty members a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

We aspire to further such important endeavors and are looking to grow our team with individuals who share our passion and commitment. In preparation for its next ambitious campaign, the Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks to strengthen the bonds with the university’s many constituencies. By working together, we will secure the financial resources necessary to continue the legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship at Brandeis.

Located nine-miles west of downtown Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation, Brandeis University is accessible via major highways (I-90 and I-95) and the MBTA Brandeis/Roberts commuter rail stop.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is an integral part of the Institutional Advancement team, working closely with the Assistant Vice President to promote fund raising from foundations and corporations university-wide. S/he will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 65+ six- and seven-figure University donors, working closely with the President, Provost, Deans, and other university leaders and traveling as needed. At the direction of the Assistant Vice President, the Associate Director will lead design and execution of key special projects, including supervising staff.

Position Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of 65+ corporation and foundation prospects capable of $100K+ awards, with 20-30 being actively cultivated towards solicitation at any one time. Maintains portfolio through regular identification and qualification of new prospects/disqualification of current prospects for university priorities and regular strategy reviews. Engages and mobilizes key faculty members and academic leaders as appropriate.
• Develops thorough, compelling, and authorized concept papers and proposals for corporation and foundation prospects, working closely with faculty experts and university leaders.
• Supports the President, Provost, Senior Vice President, and other University leadership as well as Major and Principal Giving by developing proposals, research briefings, talking points, and correspondence; strategic donor management; and staffing donor meetings.
• Takes a significant role in assisting the Assistant Vice President in departmental planning (operating and strategic) and supervising key projects.

Education, Work Experience & Skills Required

Education: B.A/B.S. required. advanced academic degree strongly preferred as indication of work at a high level in a research university context.

Work Experience: 5-8 years of relevant fund raising or academic experience, preferably including 1-3 years with some management responsibility.

Curiosity about a range of scholarly disciplines and research is essential; familiarity and experience with the Jewish philanthropic sector and issues facing the global Jewish community is a plus.

Additional Information:

Continually develop and maintain portfolio of 65+ major corporate and foundation prospects Actively cultivate towards solicitation 20-30 prospects at all times Lead or assist $2-3M+ solicitations each year

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Brandeis is a community rooted in purpose, guided by enduring values, and determined to lead. Come add your talents and your voice to this vibrant and distinctive community.”

Ron Liebowitz, President of Brandeis University

Diversity, equity and inclusion aren't just important values at Brandeis today — they are rooted in our identity as an institution. They serve as a regular reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow. Founded as a model of ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of every nationality, religion, and orientation. Social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the diversity of our larger society. Brandeis embodies the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements.

Submit Your Candidacy

To learn more, visit the Division of Institutional Advancement and our Alumni, Friends & Families websites.

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.