Director of Fundraising Relations

The Director of Fundraising Relations serves as a strategic champion for the Media Lab's vision and mission, crafting compelling narratives that inspire stakeholders and catalyze transformational philanthropic outcomes. The ideal candidate will be an innovative and entrepreneurial fundraising professional with experience in STEM, technology, and higher education development, who expands revenue through diversification of fundraising channels and elevation of stewardship practices. The Director will cultivate and manage a robust prospect pipeline while partnering with faculty and Lab leadership to identify and develop new revenue opportunities that advance the Labs strategic mission-critical initiatives. Typical gifts this role will be responsible for are in the upper six figure to greater than $1M range.

Responsibilities

Fundraising and Revenue Generation

• Actively manages a portfolio, including long-term relationships with current and potential supporters
• Identifies and develops a diverse collection of funding opportunities; creates a funding pipeline and leads the development of compelling proposals that articulate the value and impact of the work of the Media Lab
• Increases awareness of the Labs mission and vison through various channels, including social media and promotional materials
• Manages the donor database and monitors prospective donors; provides regular reports to Lab leadership on fundraising progress against goals

Fundraising Strategy

• Provides strategic leadership and direction by developing and executing comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plans that support the Labs work and align with organizational priorities
• Continuously stays abreast of the work happening in the Lab to be able to connect potential funders with specific faculty and research groups

Stewardship and Communications

• Effectively manages the involvement of the Executive Director, Faculty Director, and faculty with donor solicitation including preparation involving strategic briefings and appropriate follow up
• Expands the Labs donor base and strengthens stewardship practices
• Supports the design and execution of donor engagement strategies, including the planning of special events and the creation of high-impact proposal and engagement sessions for prospects
• Acts as proxy for Executive Director when needed

Prospect Research and Pipeline Management

• Collaborates closely with Director of Communications and Director of Member Operations to present cohesive, comprehensive messaging and materials, reinforcing the messaging of the Lab
• Works collaboratively with the Assistant Dean for Development for the School of Architecture and Planning to ensure fundraising efforts are prudent and collaborative
• Establishes and maintains relationships within MIT in support of fundraising efforts

Other duties as assigned

This role requires travel as well as occasional nights and weekends

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Proven track record of at least 5 years of successful fundraising in emerging technologies and entrepreneurial environments with creative and innovative strategies
• Excellent organizational, project management, time-management
• Exceptional project management skills with ability to juggle competing priorities
• Strong judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Dynamic communicator who engages effectively with diverse audiences
• Proven ability to craft compelling written materials and deliver impactful presentations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/prospect management systems
• Passion for collaborating with students, faculty, and researchers

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 7 years of experience with direct fund-raising
• Experience or training in STEM-related fields
• Experience in a higher education or other non-profit organization

This is a hybrid position, with 3 days a week, or as needed, required onsite in Cambridge, MA

Pay range minimum: $125,000

Pay range maximum: $163,200

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