Executive Director, Communications, Donor Relations, and Events

Executive Director, Communications, Donor Relations, and Events page is loaded## Executive Director, Communications, Donor Relations, and Events locations:
Brandeis - Waltham Campus time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
R0012801

Brandeis 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 ways

This 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…