The Director of Development for Academic Initiatives serves as the strategic Advancement liaison for at least two schools, an institute, and/or designated academic centers. This role is responsible for driving philanthropic support to achieve the University’s top aspirational goals and priorities.
As a primary academic partner, the Director translates complex academic needs into compelling, fundable institutional priorities and collaborates across the development ecosystem to secure leadership, major, and principal gifts.
The Director serves as the Advancement liaison to two to four academic areas, with a specific focus on working with frontline fundraising colleagues and, as appropriate, their own pool of donors to develop a robust pipeline of donors for these fundraising priorities. This role works collaboratively with the Advancement team and academic leadership, develops and oversees a pipeline of donors and prospects for these priorities, and directs strategic engagement of faculty directors in fundraising planning, meetings, and follow-up. The Director ensures that all programming information is up to date and readily available to colleagues. The position prioritizes and helps coordinate engagement strategies for deans and faculty directors. The Director oversees the tracking and reporting of the progress of all gift conversations and contributes to stewardship and recognition efforts, including participating in major event concepts and planning related to major donor participation, as they relate to fundraising goals for the assigned areas. This position workscollaboratively with the Stewardship and Special Events teams on stewardship activities, including recognition events, related to portfolio initiatives.
This role is responsible for the communication of programmatic activities relevant to the following key stakeholders: President, Sr. Vice President of Advancement, academic partners, key faculty, and fundraisers.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, or similar transferable experience required.
Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting is preferred.
Knowledge of Brown University is highly desired.
Job Competencies
Fundraising experience and proven ability to solicit and close gifts on the $100,000+ level, or equivalent experience in a related field (such as sales).
Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building skills, and demonstrating tact, poise, and diplomacy while working with a wide variety of personalities. Ability and comfort in meeting and interacting with individuals of considerable social status and affluence.
Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic plans that support the activities of the program and contribute to the overall goals and objectives of Advancement and the fundraising enterprise.
Computer proficiency and knowledge of CRM systems required. Working knowledge of email and calendars, the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and other software such as Adobe Acrobat, donor databases, etc.
Ability to apply sound judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to handle highly confidential information involving alumni, parents, students, families, donors, and prospects.
Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet aggressive timelines and challenging deadlines.
Decisiveness, trustworthiness, discretion, and creativity are daily requirements of this position.
Commitment to working in a team environment is essential.
Ability to travel and attend relevant programs and events, and to meet with current and prospective donors and leadership volunteers to further cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Background Check: All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.
Additional Information: Please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this position.
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Benefits of Working at Brown:
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Recruiting Start Date:
2026-07-07
Job Posting Title:
Director of Development, Academic Initiatives
Department:
Advancement
Grade:
Grade 13
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Hybrid
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
