Strategic Advancement Director - STEM Philanthropy

MIT Media Lab; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Advancement to drive strategic fundraising and revenue generation for STEM and technology initiatives. You will cultivate major gifts, expand funding opportunities, and coordinate with faculty and leadership to align solicitation with the Lab’s mission-critical initiatives.

The role oversees donor engagement, pipeline development, stewardship, and collaboration with MIT Resource Development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7+ years fundraising in emerging technologies and entrepreneurial environments.
• Ability to work with faculty, senior administrators, MIT leaders and high-profile business leaders.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong judgment and discretion with sensitive information.
• Dynamic communicator with diverse audiences.
• Proficient in MS Office and CRM/prospect management systems.
• Passion for collaborating with students, faculty, and researchers.

Responsibilities

• Actively manages a portfolio with long-term relationships with supporters.
• Identifies diverse funding opportunities and leads development of compelling proposals.
• Increases awareness of the Lab’s mission through multiple channels.
• Manages donor database and reports fundraising progress to leadership.
• Develops annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with priorities.
• Connects funders with faculty and research groups.
• Drafts funding proposals from concept through submission; supports donor events.
• Travels as needed and works occasional nights/weekends.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM tools

MS Office

Job description

MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Advancement to drive strategic fundraising and revenue generation for STEM and technology initiatives. You will cultivate major gifts, expand funding opportunities, and coordinate with faculty and leadership to align solicitation with the Lab’s mission-critical initiatives.

The role oversees donor engagement, pipeline development, stewardship, and collaboration with MIT Resource Development.