Brandeis University Hiring for Director, Donor Relations & Stewardship at Waltham, Massachusetts Full Time

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 Director, Donor Relations & Stewardship. 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 The Director, Donor Relations & Stewardship is responsible for leading and overseeing a team of 4-5 professional staff, and for stewarding and enhancing the relationships between Brandeis University and its donors at all levels, with a focus on those who have made principal and major gifts to the University. The Director is responsible for designing and implementing strategies for creative and thoughtful donor communications through print and digital means. The Director also personally manages a portfolio of principal gift stewardship donors. A superb and highly accomplished professional writer, the Director serves as an expert copy editor, proofreader, and mentor to the Donor Relations Officers who primarily produce written communications (acknowledgement letters, stewardship reports, student and faculty profiles, etc.) prepared for or sent on behalf of the University president, provost, deans and/or senior administration. Primary Responsibilities Build a solid foundation and framework for managing timely, efficient, and meaningful stewardship practices, including overseeing, advising, and/or influencing all aspects of the donor lifecycle, such as the styles and processes for gift agreements, gift receipts, gift acknowledgements, memorials and tributes, and pledge reminders, as well as the creation and distribution of highly specialized and personal written communications in letter, email, or report form. In partnership with the Executive Director: Serve as a donor advocate and spokesperson, educating stakeholders within Institutional Advancement and across the University about their role in effective donor stewardship that relays the University?s deep appreciation and effective, fiscally-responsible use of philanthropic gifts. Develop policies and procedures that reflect industry standards, demonstrate best practices, and fulfill the legal and ethical obligations to donors while encouraging increased levels of giving and support.