Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

External Relations and Strategic Initiatives Officer

The MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) seeks an external relations and strategic initiatives officer to provide strategic and operational expertise for its fundraising efforts, including collaborations with some of the world’s most successful and well-known individuals and corporations. Will report to the director of external relations and strategic initiatives and work with faculty, development, finance, and communications leadership in the school and across MIT to build programs and relationships with donors and prospective donors, with a focus on those who can contribute in the upper six figures to greater than $1M range. 

Responsibilities include collaborating on envisioning, developing, and implementing a robust fundraising infrastructure; building a culture of philanthropy among alumni; strengthening relationships and collaborations between SA+P, Office of Resource Development, and MIT Alumni Association; overseeing and managing fundraising strategies and plans for certain departments, laboratories, centers, and initiatives; helping shape special projects, including contributing to white papers, proposals, collateral materials, and events; identifying, developing, and maintaining a portfolio of prospects and moving them through the donor engagement process; preparing written correspondence and briefing materials; strategically planning, developing, and oversee cultivation activities; monitoring research developments and faculty interests within the school and identifying opportunities of potential interest to donors/prospective donors; and contributing to other efforts as needed.

The full job description is available here.  

Required Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. At least three years of relevant experience--with increasing responsibility--in fundraising, marketing, and relationship management
3. Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and verbal and written communication skills
4. Ability to work successfully with a diverse international population of faculty, sponsors, staff, and students in a constantly evolving academic environment

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of or interest in the fields represented in SA+P, especially architecture, art, design, and urbanism
2. Travel, evening, and weekend work will be required.

Interested candidates may apply online at https://hr.mit.edu/careers. Please reference job number 24154.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. See MIT’s full policy on nondiscrimination at https://policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures/90-relations-and-responsibilities-within-mit-community/93-nondiscrimination.