Executive Director, Communications, Donor Relations, and Events
Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States, 02254
Executive Director, Communications, Donor Relations, and Events page is loaded## Executive Director, Communications, Donor Relations, and Eventslocations:
Brandeis - Waltham Campustime type:
Full timeposted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition id:
R0012801Brandeis University is seeking a strategic, creative, and people-centered advancement leader to serve as **Executive Director (ED), Communications, Donor Relations, and Events**. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a leading research university communicates its impact, engages its donors, and celebrates philanthropy—at a pivotal moment for Institutional Advancement.Reporting to the **Interim Deputy Vice President for Institutional Advancement (IDVP)**, the Executive Director is a member of the **Institutional Advancement Senior Leadership Team** and plays a central role in defining and delivering an exceptional donor and constituent experience across the University.The hiring range for this position is $147,800 - $169,900.**Why This Role Matters**Philanthropy fuels Brandeis’ mission—and how we communicate, steward, and engage donors is critical to long-term success. In this role, you will:* Reimagine how advancement communications and events inspire connection and action* Elevate donor relations and stewardship to reflect best-in-class higher education practices* Build strong, collaborative teams that amplify impact across fundraising units* Help shape campaign strategy and celebrate philanthropy in meaningful, visible waysThis role blends **strategy, execution, and leadership**, with the ability to influence how the University engages donors at every stage of the philanthropic journey.**What You Will Do****Lead Donor Relations, Communications, and Events (≈60%)*** Provide strategic oversight for advancement communications, donor relations, and events.* Build and align goals across teams to ensure consistent, high-quality donor and constituent experiences.* Create and lead a **centralized events function** within Institutional Advancement, ensuring seamless planning, professional execution, and alignment with engagement and fundraising goals.* Strengthen proposal development, gift agreements, and stewardship practices to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to best practices.* Partner closely with fundraising units to leverage communications and events as powerful tools for donor engagement.**Develop and Inspire High-Performing Teams (≈25%)*** Manage, mentor, and develop a cross-functional team, including director-level leaders.* Set clear expectations, performance objectives, and accountability measures.* Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of results.* Serve as a coach and thought partner to leaders across donor relations, communications, and events.**Serve as a Senior Advancement Leader (≈15%)*** Actively contribute as a member of the IA Senior Leadership Team.* Advise the **Senior Vice President and IDVP** on innovative approaches to donor engagement, stewardship, and campaign strategy.* Help shape how the University recognizes and celebrates philanthropic investments at institutional and campaign levels.**What We Are Looking For**You are a seasoned advancement professional and people leader who brings:* A **minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience**, including **5–8 years of supervisory leadership*** A strong track record managing teams and complex, cross-functional initiatives* Deep knowledge of **best practices in higher education fundraising**, donor relations, and stewardship* Preferred experience in operations, donor relations, and/or gift administration* Strategic thinking paired with operational excellence and attention to detail* The ability to build trust and influence across diverse stakeholders**Education:** Bachelor’s degree required
**Environment:** Office-based; some travel may be required**Why Brandeis**Brandeis is a values-driven research university with a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community. Institutional Advancement plays a critical role in advancing that mission—and this position offers a chance to leave a lasting mark on how the University engages, thanks, and partners with its donors.# **Pay Range Disclosure**The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.# **Equal Opportunity Statement**Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").**COME WORK WITH US**Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright.We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it — by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall.Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, humanresources@brandeis.edu.The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review
the
website.Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at #J-18808-Ljbffr
Brandeis - Waltham Campustime type:
Full timeposted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition id:
R0012801Brandeis University is seeking a strategic, creative, and people-centered advancement leader to serve as **Executive Director (ED), Communications, Donor Relations, and Events**. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a leading research university communicates its impact, engages its donors, and celebrates philanthropy—at a pivotal moment for Institutional Advancement.Reporting to the **Interim Deputy Vice President for Institutional Advancement (IDVP)**, the Executive Director is a member of the **Institutional Advancement Senior Leadership Team** and plays a central role in defining and delivering an exceptional donor and constituent experience across the University.The hiring range for this position is $147,800 - $169,900.**Why This Role Matters**Philanthropy fuels Brandeis’ mission—and how we communicate, steward, and engage donors is critical to long-term success. In this role, you will:* Reimagine how advancement communications and events inspire connection and action* Elevate donor relations and stewardship to reflect best-in-class higher education practices* Build strong, collaborative teams that amplify impact across fundraising units* Help shape campaign strategy and celebrate philanthropy in meaningful, visible waysThis role blends **strategy, execution, and leadership**, with the ability to influence how the University engages donors at every stage of the philanthropic journey.**What You Will Do****Lead Donor Relations, Communications, and Events (≈60%)*** Provide strategic oversight for advancement communications, donor relations, and events.* Build and align goals across teams to ensure consistent, high-quality donor and constituent experiences.* Create and lead a **centralized events function** within Institutional Advancement, ensuring seamless planning, professional execution, and alignment with engagement and fundraising goals.* Strengthen proposal development, gift agreements, and stewardship practices to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to best practices.* Partner closely with fundraising units to leverage communications and events as powerful tools for donor engagement.**Develop and Inspire High-Performing Teams (≈25%)*** Manage, mentor, and develop a cross-functional team, including director-level leaders.* Set clear expectations, performance objectives, and accountability measures.* Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of results.* Serve as a coach and thought partner to leaders across donor relations, communications, and events.**Serve as a Senior Advancement Leader (≈15%)*** Actively contribute as a member of the IA Senior Leadership Team.* Advise the **Senior Vice President and IDVP** on innovative approaches to donor engagement, stewardship, and campaign strategy.* Help shape how the University recognizes and celebrates philanthropic investments at institutional and campaign levels.**What We Are Looking For**You are a seasoned advancement professional and people leader who brings:* A **minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience**, including **5–8 years of supervisory leadership*** A strong track record managing teams and complex, cross-functional initiatives* Deep knowledge of **best practices in higher education fundraising**, donor relations, and stewardship* Preferred experience in operations, donor relations, and/or gift administration* Strategic thinking paired with operational excellence and attention to detail* The ability to build trust and influence across diverse stakeholders**Education:** Bachelor’s degree required
**Environment:** Office-based; some travel may be required**Why Brandeis**Brandeis is a values-driven research university with a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community. Institutional Advancement plays a critical role in advancing that mission—and this position offers a chance to leave a lasting mark on how the University engages, thanks, and partners with its donors.# **Pay Range Disclosure**The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.# **Equal Opportunity Statement**Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").**COME WORK WITH US**Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright.We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it — by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall.Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, humanresources@brandeis.edu.The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review
the
website.Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at #J-18808-Ljbffr