Executive Director of Annual Giving

MIT Alumni Association; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The MIT Alumni Association is seeking an Executive Director of Annual Giving to lead a high-impact, data-driven program. You will cultivate and steward more than 30,000 annual donors and 250,000 prospects, driving multi-channel strategies and integrating with RD and leadership to build a culture of philanthropy.

This hybrid role requires on-campus and remote work, with occasional domestic and international travel to represent MIT and its alumni network. A background check will be conducted.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and ten+ years of progressive leadership in fundraising or advancement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute high-impact annual giving programs.
• Cultivate and solicit alumni, students, parents, and friends.
• Collaborate with Resource Development and leadership to align with institutional priorities.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor cultivation

Data-driven campaigns

CRM & analytics

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Job description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING, Alumni Association CEO,

reporting to the CEO of the MIT Alumni Association and serving as a critical member of the senior management team, the Executive Director of Annual Giving is a visionary advancement leader responsible for architecting and executing a high-impact, data-driven annual giving program. This leader is charged with securing foundational and leadership-level support from alumni, students, parents, and friends of the Institute. By driving an innovative, multi-channel strategy, they will cultivate, solicit, and steward more than 30,000 annual donors and 250,000 prospects. Serving as the primary bridge between foundational participation and major gift pipelines, the Executive Director works in seamless partnership with Resource Development (RD), School and Institution leadership, and the Annual Giving Board to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy that ensures campaign readiness and supports MIT’s broader institutional priorities.

The full job description is available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9cwvamqin9ridwm78gdn4/Executive-Director-of-Annual-Giving-MIT-Alumni-Association.pdf?rlkey=mthwctblhmvnpsfk2ozj9z17j&st=zha06tjx&dl=0

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, or business development, preferably within a complex higher education or academic research setting; 5+ years of experience directing large, diverse teams, managing complex budgets, setting goals, and driving performance and resource optimization; proven success in cultivating high-net-worth benefactors and executing data-driven campaigns that drive donor acquisition, retention, and revenue growth; adept at fostering partnerships across highly matrixed organizations, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and empowering high-level volunteer boards and alumni leaders; expertise in modern advancement tools (CRMs, predictive analytics, digital philanthropy platforms) with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies and efficient systems.

This is a hybrid position with a combination of on-campus and remote work.

Must be willing and able to travel occasionally domestically and internationally to represent MIT and conduct alumni visits.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

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We welcome people from all walks of life to bring their talent, ideas, and experience to our community. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds – like yours. If you want to be part of our exceptional, multicultural, collaborative, and inclusive community, then take a look at this opportunity.