Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts

About the Role

In this role, you will strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 175 prospects with the capacity to make gifts between $100,000 and $500,000. At the outset, your focus will be on qualification visits and building a robust pipeline of future major donors who will support the University for years to come.

You will partner with senior leaders, faculty, and development colleagues to connect donors with programs and initiatives that align with the President’s vision and institutional priorities. Your work will play a critical role in advancing Brandeis’ mission and securing transformational support.

The hiring range for this position is $126,300 - $130,000.

What You Will Do

Prospect Management and Fundraising (80%)

• Build and qualify a new portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Conduct at least 120 strategic, face-to-face visits each year with individuals, families, and foundations capable of five- and six-figure gifts.
• Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to successfully secure major gifts.
• Advance relationships from identification through solicitation and stewardship, meeting personal and programmatic fundraising goals.

Institutional Advancement and Engagement (20%)

• Serve as an Institutional Advancement liaison in assigned regions, collaborating with colleagues to identify high-value prospects and align donor interests with University priorities.
• Engage alumni, parents, and friends through regional strategies, high-level events, and individual outreach to deepen their connection to the University.
• Partner with senior University administrators and faculty during donor meetings to showcase programs and initiatives.

Key Success Metrics

• Number of qualification visits and new prospects identified.
• Portfolio growth and number of $100K+ solicitations.
• New gifts and pledges secured annually.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive development or fundraising experience, including major gifts.
• Proven success securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience partnering with institutional leadership or faculty is strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Entrepreneurial spirit and creative approach to building a major gift pipeline.
• Exceptional relationship management and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite; Salesforce or similar CRM experience highly preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Highly organized with exceptional follow-through and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Why Join Brandeis?

This is a mission-driven role where your work will have meaningful impact on students, faculty, and the future of education and research. You will be part of a collaborative, high-performing advancement team at a university that values curiosity, innovation, and purpose.