Senior Leadership Giving Officer

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior Leadership Giving Officer to design and execute a strategic development plan that secures transformational gifts for the Department of Chemical Engineering and the David H. Koch School of Chemical Engineering Practice.

You will manage a 50-75 donor portfolio, conduct face-to-face visits, coordinate events, draft proposals, collaborate with faculty, and ensure robust stewardship of funds and records in Advance.

Qualifications

• Five years of direct fundraising experience, preferably in technical fields.
• Must have strong organizational, communication and project management skills.
• Proven track record securing 7-figure+ gifts.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to raise support for Chemical Engineering.
• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 donors and prospects with face-to-face engagements.
• Solicit major gifts and coordinate meetings, tours and events with faculty.
• Draft high-level proposals and strategy briefings; oversee donor stewardship.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Project management

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Office software

Job description

SENIOR LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER (SLGO)

Reports jointly to the Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and the School of Engineering Assistant Dean for Development. This position creates and executes a comprehensive strategic development plan to raise financial support for Chemical Engineering, including the David H. Koch School of Chemical Engineering Practice. Will manage a portfolio of 50-75 donors and prospects, cultivating and soliciting major gifts ($1M+) for departmental priorities including fellowships, professorships, capital projects, and research funds; identify and engage new prospective donors in collaboration with ChemE Department Head, Practice School Director, and faculty; conduct face-to-face donor and prospect visits; arrange meetings with faculty, site tours, and events; draft high-level proposals and develop strategy briefings; build and maintain partnerships with organizations for research collaborations and funding opportunities; oversee stewardship of department funds and donor records using Advance database; develop and execute comprehensive stewardship strategies for current donors; analyze giving trends and recommend targeted strategies; and represent ChemE at donor-related events and collaborate on fundraising activities.

~20% travel required

Job Requirements

• REQUIRED : Bachelor's degree
• REQUIRED : a minimum of five years direct fundraising experience (preferably in technical/engineering/scientific fields)
• REQUIRED : a proven track record securing 7-figure+ gifts
• REQUIRED : strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
• REQUIRED : proficiency with office software and CRM/prospect management systems
• REQUIRED : ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• PREFERRED : MBA/MS in technical, engineering, or scientific field
• PREFERRED : research university experience
• PREFERRED : strong writing and presentation skills

MIT’s School of Engineering has engaged Solmonese Search Partners to conduct the search for this position.

10/14/2026