Director, Resource Development, Open Learning

MIT Open Learning:

At MIT Open Learning we create innovative digital learning experiences that break down barriers to education and harness MIT’s strengths in research and technological innovation, offering learners everywhere opportunities to learn with and from MIT. Led by the Vice Provost for Open Learning, our work is rooted in a philosophy of openness. By joining our team, the Director, Resource Development, Open Learning (“The Director”) will further MIT’s mission of generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge and working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world’s great challenges.

Position Overview:

The Director leads the strategy and execution of philanthropic fundraising for MIT Open Learning. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Open Learning, the Director secures $5-$7 million dollars annually from individual donors, foundations, and corporations to meet revenue goals in support of Open Learning’s mission. The Director develops all phases of Open Learning’s development program to expand philanthropic support for our programs, initiatives, and units.  The Director will manage a team of 3-6 individuals working at various levels to establish and maintain relationships within MIT and with donors, communicate with the broader community, and execute fundraising strategies. The Director also serves on the Open Learning Senior Management Team to inform decision making on the direction of the organization.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions**):

• Solicit and steward support from approximately 150 major gift prospects with the capacity to make a financial commitment of $1,000,000 and above; articulating the mission, culture, academic programs and fundraising objectives of Open Learning.
• Identify and cultivate new prospects and create individualized solicitation plans leading to major gifts in support of Open Learning.
• Visit and host approximately 50+ prospects as necessary; arranging for prospect visits to campus or on the road to meet with appropriate MIT/Open Learning staff.
• Collaborate with other leadership giving officers at MIT to ensure a coordinated approach to prospect strategy.
• Work with appropriate parties to ensure any capital campaign plans are properly developed and projections met.
• Develop fiscal year and business plans, budgets, and methods to meet strategic goals.
• Lead and mentor a team of development professionals.

• Work with appropriate legal counsel at MIT to ensure agreements with supporters are “gifts” considering tax and net value implications to MIT and Open Learning.

• Work with faculty and staff to ensure gifts, grants, and contracts are all properly reported on, spent, and executed.

• Ensure adherence to Institute guidelines for proposal management, prospect management and tracking, and strategy notes.

• Availability for domestic and international travel as well as occasional nights and weekends.

• Work in person on the Cambridge, MA campus two to three days per week, when not traveling for business.

Supervision Received:

Reports to Vice Provost Open Learning

Supervision Exercised:

Supervises a team of up to 6 staff members

Qualifications & Skills: 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum 10 years of experience in development required, preferably with knowledge of the academic area of the appointing unit. 

• Knowledge of planned giving (bequests, trusts, gift annuities, etc.).

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor diverse teams, set goals, and manageperformance 

• Demonstrated ability to develop and adhere to business plans and budgets.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

• Excellent strategic-thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with fundraising software and donor databases; Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications and prospect tracking systems.

• Knowledge of prospect management and research best practices.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree
• More than 10 years’ experience in resource development

Other Considerations:

• The pay range for this position is $185,000 to $240,000. Final salary is determined by MIT’s compensation team based on years of experience of the individual hired.

• Domestic and international travel required, as well as occasional nights and weekends.

• The Director, Resource Development, is required to work in person, on campus, in Cambridge, Massachusetts two to three days per week, when not traveling for business. The in-person requirement is determined by the Vice Provost, Open Learning and is subject to change based on the needs of Open Learning and MIT.

• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a background check.