Director of Development

Reporting to the Media Lab’s Director, the Director of Development will provide strategic and operational leadership of revenue generation for this large, interdisciplinary research lab with an annual budget of approximately $35 million. Will work closely with the Director to develop and execute a plan to secure funds from corporations, foundations, and individuals. Will coordinate efforts to foster new engagements with the Lab and maintain relationships with current members. Will serve as a key member of the Lab’s senior operations team.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as central coordinator, consultant, and information source on all development activities at the Lab, including Director’s prospects, consortia memberships and renewals, and fundraising for new and existing research initiatives. Directly manage several development staff and give direction to other staff members involved in development.
  • Develop positive relationships with Lab faculty and research staff, and a deep understanding of the broad range of Lab research, for the purpose of matching this work with potential funders.
  • Identify prospects and initiate creative fundraising programs to attract donors capable of giving in the range of $200k and above. This involves working closely with the heads of the Lab’s consortia and major research initiatives, as well as the Lab’s director of finance.
  • Play a leading role in planning and executing development events held at the Lab, throughout the United States, and internationally.
  • Plan and host visits and tours of the Lab by corporate, foundation, and individual prospects.
  • Work closely with the Lab’s communications staff on developing a broad range of materials that articulate the Lab’s unique mission and funding needs. Draft proposals, visit reports, acknowledgment letters, and other stewardship correspondence.
  • Oversee pipeline of prospects and renewals; work with finance and business planning teams to develop and maintain financial forecasts.
  • Serve as the Lab’s primary liaison to MIT’s central Office of Resource Development and the development function in the School of Architecture and Planning.

Qualifications

  • At least seven years of demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting major funds from individuals, corporations and foundations.
  • Proven ability to function as an effective team member, team leader, and supervisor.
  • Outstanding writing and oral presentation skills and ability to clearly articulate complex information and funding priorities.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and organizational awareness.
  • Must have experience using development databases. Fluency with social media a plus.
  • Must be able to understand and influence the big picture, while also able and willing to keep track of details and implement solutions.
  • Must be comfortable in a highly diverse and international environment and able to build productive working relationships with a wide range of people, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
  • Must be willing to travel and be available for occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter referencing job no. 10119 at http://hrweb.mit.edu/staffing/; keyword is Media Laboratory.