Senior Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, the Institute) seeks an experienced, strategic, and entrepreneurial development professional to serve as the senior director of development for strategic initiatives (SD). In this inaugural role, the SD will work closely with and report to the chief innovation and strategy officer (CISO) and collaborate with the vice president of resource development and the office of resource development (RD) to support the office of innovation and strategy in the development, funding, and implementation of MIT’s top priorities including, climate change and sustainability, artificial intelligence and computing, the life sciences and health, humanities, quantum, and manufacturing. 

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished and enthusiastic fundraiser to partner closely with the CISO to develop and implement a multiyear strategy to ensure the sustainable, long-term growth of critical contributed resources in support of MIT’s highest-level initiatives and priorities. The SD will build trust and establish and deepen key relationships, partnering closely with the Institute’s senior leadership, including the president and provost, as well as frontline fundraisers, deans, department heads, center directors, and faculty, to articulate funding priorities and engage donors to secure principal and transformational gifts to MIT. Working with the CISO, the SD will leverage these internal relationships as well as external partnerships to build initiatives and new collaborations supporting MIT’s strategic priorities. In coordination with the CISO, the SD will navigate and manage complex conversations regarding key initiatives across the Institute, build consensus with internal constituents, and serve as a collaborative partner with the office of resource development to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors. Over time, the SD will be responsible for managing a small, focused portfolio of 20 to 25 active prospects capable of making significant gifts in support of the Institute. 

The SD will be a proven major and principal gift strategist and an inclusive and approachable colleague who leads with integrity and has a strong track record of securing seven-figure gifts—including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—in complex higher education and/or research environments. International fundraising experience and deep experience with cause-based fundraising are essential. The SD will have a sophisticated understanding of how to align a donor’s interests with the initiatives and priorities of an institution, as well as experience developing and managing partnerships with industry, government, and other external entities. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in strategic leadership roles in higher education, research institutions, or industry and the ability to build trust, achieve alignment, and collaborate closely with a broad range of constituents. The SD will possess exceptional communication skills and the ability to convey the vision and mission of an institution to a diverse group of prospects and donors in clear and compelling language. The ideal candidate will have the intellectual depth and curiosity necessary to understand and translate academic, technical, and research information for all audiences. 

The search is being led by Jack Gorman with Bryce Ervin and Lisa Clayton. 

MIT is an equal education/employment opportunity institution dedicated to building a diverse community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. We strive to be and promote a family-friendly environment and recognize that supporting this culture, at times, includes assisting dual-career couples with employment needs.