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Job Description:

The Senior Director of Development, Strategic Research Initiatives (BIRCH), is responsible for advancing Brown’s academic medical research mission by developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to secure support from foundations, corporations, government entities, and individuals. This role is critical to enabling high-impact biomedical research and strategic initiatives across the Division of Biology and Medicine (BioMed), The Warren Alpert Medical School’s clinical departments, and Brown University Health.

Working at the highest levels of the Brown Innovation and Research Collaborative for Health (BIRCH), the Senior Director collaborates with clinical, scientific, and academic leadership to identify research priorities and pursue transformative funding opportunities. The role serves as a strategic driver in aligning institutional research strengths with external funding landscapes to support Brown’s leadership in biomedical discovery and health innovation.

As a key member of the Biomedical Advancement team, the Senior Director works closely with Divisional and BIRCH leadership to shape strategic research visions for centers, institutes, and initiatives. They lead the ideation and coordination of complex proposal development—particularly for large-scale, cross-disciplinary, and multi- stakeholder initiatives—and ensure alignment with federal initiatives, foundation challenges, and corporate interests.

The Senior Director collaborates with stakeholders across Brown’s research enterprise, including BIRCH, the Chief Science Officer at Brown University Health, the Division of Research, and the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

+ Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Graduate degree preferred.

+ Development/fundraising experience preferred; if no direct fundraising experience, the incumbent must demonstrate transferable experience from another field such as sales/relationship management.

+ Direct experience in healthcare is desirable.

Job Competencies

+ Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

+ Proven ability to solicit and close gifts on the six-figure or higher level or equivalent experience in related fields (such as sales).

+ Should have a high degree of computer literacy and management information skills.

+ Working knowledge of email and calendars, the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software such as Adobe Acrobat, donor databases, etc.

+ Familiarity with Brown University and the Division of Biology and Medicine is highly desirable.

+ Ability to think strategically to effectively align BioMed prospect interests with both University priorities and philanthropic trends and opportunities.

+ Strong planning and project management skills; ability to balance competing priorities and work well under deadlines.

+ Discretion required.

+ 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.

+ Must be able and willing to travel frequently throughout the United States to attend relevant programs and events and to meet with current and prospective donors and leadership volunteers to further cultivation and solicitation strategies.

+ Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

+ 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. Comfort in meeting and interacting with individuals of considerable social status and affluence is required

+ Ability to apply good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to deal with highly confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor and prospect information.

+ 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.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION CHECK REQUIRED

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here (https://www.brown.edu/a-z/benefits-working-brown) .

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-07-18

Job Posting Title:

Senior Director of Development, Strategic Research Initiatives

Department:

BioMed Advancement

Grade:

Grade 13

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.

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.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO employer (https://go.brown.edu/equal-employment-opportunity) , 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.