Hybrid Executive Director, Annual Giving bei Brandeis

Are you an innovative and results-driven fundraising professional eager to make a lasting impact? Brandeis University—a globally recognized private research institution known for academic excellence and cutting-edge research—invites you to join our Institutional Advancement team as the Executive Director of Annual Giving (EDAG).

Located just outside Boston, Brandeis has a storied history of intellectual curiosity and social justice, deeply rooted in the vision of its founders. Today, we continue to drive change—from pioneering opioid policy research to achieving Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in biology. Now, under the leadership of Jordan Tannenbaum, ’72 Brandeis Alumnus and Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, we are preparing for our next ambitious campaign, and we seek a strategic leader to take our Annual Giving program to new heights.

Your Role:

As the Executive Director of Annual Giving, you will be at the helm of Brandeis’ multi-faceted fundraising strategy, driving participation among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends. You will develop innovative, data-driven approaches that inspire philanthropic support and cultivate a robust donor pipeline.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and Execute Strategy – Set ambitious goals to increase donor participation and unrestricted annual gifts through direct marketing, leadership giving, reunion campaigns, affinity-based fundraising, and volunteer engagement.
• Lead & Inspire – Oversee a dynamic team across Family Philanthropy, Direct Marketing, Annual Giving Officers, and Affinity Fundraising, empowering them to achieve new levels of success.
• Engage & Expand Volunteer Networks – Partner with key stakeholders to enhance fundraising committees, class giving initiatives, and special affinity groups such as the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) and Hillel.
• Manage a Portfolio of High-Impact Donors – Cultivate and steward leadership donors giving $1,000+ annually, with a particular focus on growing the Justice Brandeis Society.
• Analyze & Optimize Performance – Leverage data insights to refine engagement strategies and drive continued growth in participation and revenue.

Who You Are:

• Fundraising Trailblazer – 8-10+ years of experience leading successful multi-channel annual giving programs, preferably in higher education or nonprofit environments.
• Innovative Strategist – A deep understanding of donor behavior, digital fundraising, and volunteer engagement to drive participation and maximize impact.
• Collaborative Leader – A proven ability to manage high-performing teams, partner with institutional leaders, and engage diverse constituencies.
• Data-Driven Decision Maker – Expertise in analytics and reporting to optimize campaign performance and inform future fundraising efforts.
• Persuasive Communicator – Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to build strong relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.

Why Join Brandeis?

• Make a Meaningful Impact – Play a critical role in securing the resources that drive Brandeis' academic and research excellence.
• Be Part of a Mission-Driven Institution – Join a university deeply committed to social justice, intellectual discovery, and transformational education.
• Shape the Future of Annual Giving – Lead in an environment where innovation and ambition are highly valued.
• Travel & Engage – Enjoy opportunities to travel across the U.S., meeting with passionate donors and alumni.

Are you ready to take Brandeis’ annual giving program to the next level? Apply today and be part of something extraordinary!

Equal Opportunity Statement