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, Parent and Family Giving.

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

As an integral member of the IA Division’s fundraising and constituent engagement team, the Associate Director, Parent and Family Giving, in partnership with the Executive Director, is primarily responsible for building up the Parent and Family Giving program for Brandeis.  The Associate Director (AD) will focus their efforts on cultivating and strengthening relationships among Brandeis parents and families, encouraging student success, and promoting philanthropic support to the University. 

The AD will demonstrate a desire to welcome parents and families to the Brandeis community; to help create opportunities for meaningful involvement; work with the Executive Director to connect families with one another; and assist with educating families about valuable resources, critical issues and topics relevant to student success. S/he will support the management of the Parents Leadership Council and assist with efforts to recruit, train and support parent volunteers. In collaboration with the University Office of Parents & Families, Office of Student Life, Alumni Relations and others, the AD will also help with coordination and staffing of events and activities during the admissions recruitment process, at orientation, Family Weekend, and Commencement.

The AD will also be responsible for the strategic management of a portfolio of approximately 100 – 125 individuals and households.  The AD initiates, develops and implements strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects and donors interested in supporting Brandeis’ Parent and Family Giving program.  The AD will routinely cultivate and solicit prospects for gifts of $5,000 or more and will work collaboratively with other Institutional Advancement colleagues to optimize philanthropic support.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assists Executive Director in supporting the Parents Leadership Council and its members. Refines and builds upon the Council’s activities to maximize its impact and increase membership.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop, manage, and execute Parent and Family Giving program communication and marketing plans for internal and external purposes.
• Manage the Legacy Parent program, including an annual event during Family Weekend.
• Manage Annual Fund appeal process for parents, coordinating with Director of Marketing & Participation.
• Manage a portfolio of 100 – 125 prospects and collaborate on parent and family cultivation and solicitation with other fundraising staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5-8 years of experience, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Direct experience with volunteer management required. Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting preferred.
• Fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to solicit and close philanthropic gifts at the $5,000 + level.
• Demonstrates proficiency in email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and conferencing software, and relational databases with an ability to become comfortable and productive with the University’s alumni and donor systems.  MS Office Suite and Salesforce experience highly desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to apply sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to professional ethics and data security when dealing with highly confidential constituent, donor, and prospect information.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-up.
• Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends with an attitude of doing what it takes to get the job done.
• Must be able and willing to travel occasionally throughout the United States, as needed, to attend events and meet with prospects and donors to further cultivation and solicitation strategies.

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.