About Montefiore Einstein

"It is Montefiore Einstein's job as one of New York City's largest academic health systems to illuminate a path for medical innovation and patient care. Healthcare is a changing game - and we are the game changers." Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montefiore Einstein

Montefiore Health System was founded in 1884 by Jewish philanthropists as a care facility for patients with chronic illnesses, and quickly expanded into a world-class hospital based in the Bronx. Years later, Albert Einstein agreed to lend his named to a future medical school that would accept "students of all creeds and races," and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine welcomed its first class, 53 men and 3 women, on September 12, 1955. To provide clinical education for medical students and residents, Montefiore and Einstein entered an initial affiliation agreement in 1963, leading to a partnership marked by several medical "firsts" the world's first transvenous cardiac pacemaker, the country's first pediatric kidney transplant program, and the state's first specialized endocrine and neuroendocrine tumor program.

Building on the decades-long synergy among educational, research, and clinical enterprises, Montefiore and Einstein's affiliation developed into a full academic partnership when Montefiore assumed fiduciary oversight, operations, and governance of the College of Medicine in September 2015. Today, Montefiore Einstein is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. The Montefiore Einstein system is comprised of 11 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and close to 200 outpatient care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at the College of Medicine directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation to a preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore Einstein is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families.

Philanthropy at Montefiore Einstein

Montefiore Einstein has created incredible synergy around new bench-to-bedside discoveries that draw on the strengths of both institutions premier educational opportunities, cutting-edge research, and science-driven clinical services. While there's great promise in the combined force of Montefiore Einstein, the integration of two complex institutions requires thoughtful planning and tremendous leadership, particularly as it relates to philanthropy. To capitalize on the opportunity that the integrated system presents, the Montefiore and Einstein development teams were integrated into one office in August 2016.

Since coming together, the Montefiore Einstein Office of Development, led by Rachelle Sanders, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, has doubled the number of full-time frontline fundraisers on the ground, re-engaged donors who have lapsed during the transition, and elevated the system-wide conversation about philanthropy through a strategic planning for development process led by executive, trustee, and campus leaders. With a strategic plan for development in hand, Montefiore Einstein has the roadmap and leadership investment to guide and focus fundraising activity over the next several years. By demonstrating what it means to give back and inspiring others to do the same, Montefiore Einstein will aspire to reach its overarching vision of becoming a leading philanthropic institution that attracts transformational support locally and beyond the New York City region.

Watch Montefiore Einstein celebrate the system's shared vision of transforming health and science for all, and honor Ruth Gottesman, EdD, Einstein Board Member and Development Committee Member, and Ira Millstein, Esq., Einstein Board Member, at the 2017 Gala for Montefiore Einstein.

Envisioning Our Future

Montefiore Einstein's bold, expansive vision for philanthropy is supported by a set of values which will serve as a compass for the Office of Development and internal stakeholders across the system:

Leadership. We have the vision to set a new standard for philanthropy at Montefiore Einstein.
Collaboration. We listen to our stakeholders, leverage resources, and build lasting partnerships.
Integrity. We are thoughtful, transparent, and accountable in every aspect of our work.
Expertise. We take a donor-centric approach to fundraising based on our deep sector knowledge.
Grit. We have the strength of character to be flexible and responsive to emerging needs and issues.

To meet our vision, we plan to strengthen our operation and introduce new approaches to our work that will reinforce our values and create lasting change. Specifically, we plan to focus on five objectives:

Create meaningful opportunities for trustees, executive leaders, campus leaders, faculty, and staff across the Montefiore Einstein system to engage in fundraising planning, strategy, and activity.
Develop the Montefiore and Einstein Boards of Trustees to advance philanthropic outcomes.
Confirm a set of funding priorities that drive growth and translate into a compelling case for support.
Set ambitious, yet achievable revenue targets that are responsive to system needs and opportunities.
Expand the Montefiore Einstein Office of Development to increase return on philanthropic dollars.

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, the Director of Alumni/ae Relations will design and implement a visionary program to enhance and develop the strong network Montefiore Einstein alumni/ae. In this role, the Director will spearhead programs and initiatives that serve nearly 9,000 Einstein alumni/ae and 12,000 Montefiore alumni/ae. While the Director will be expected to develop a comprehensive approach to alumni/ae engagement, focus on the Einstein base will take priority in FY18.

To meet the objectives of the strategic plan for philanthropy, the Director will partner closely with the Einstein Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors to develop and further enhance programs, communications, events, and partnerships. The Director will support the work of the Alumni/ae Board, serve as their liaison to academic and administrative leadership, and help guide their fundraising efforts. In this context, the Director will also carry a limited portfolio of high-level alumni/ae prospects and donors to secure and steward private support for Montefiore Einstein's funding priorities.

With two direct reports, the ideal candidate will have experience managing and mentoring alumni/ae relations professionals. S/he will also present sound judgment in navigating complex institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design

• Develop a comprehensive three-year plan for strengthening alumni/ae engagement with Montefiore Einstein with a focus on increasing philanthropic inclination and participation.
• Assess current alumni/ae programming and introduce new opportunities to connect Montefiore Einstein alumni/ae with students, residents, faculty, campus leadership, and other alumni/ae.
• Introduce a new parent program that connects the family of alumni/ae to the institution.
• Manage the program budget and take a responsible approach to return on investment.

Volunteer Support

• Partner with the President of the Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors to manage communications, meetings, committees, governance processes, and engagement strategies.
• Manage and strengthen relationships with the Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors by serving as a liaison to campus leadership, educating on campus priorities and programs, and supporting the work required to meet their mandate (i.e., student mentoring, fundraising, etc.).
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress, activities, and upcoming initiatives.

Portfolio Management

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a limited portfolio (i.e., 50) alumni/ae prospects and donors with the capacity to contribute at the major ($25K+) and principal ($1M+) gift levels.
• Partner with the Senior Executive Director and the Director, Prospect Development on alumni/ae prospect and donor strategy. Take a proactive approach to reunion giving by working with the frontline team to prioritize the engagement of alumni/ae prospects with upcoming reunion years.

Event Management

• Work closely with the Senior Director, Special Events to conceptualize, plan, and execute a series of alumni/ae-driven events that increase participation and raise sights for individual philanthropy.
• Use existing campus events (i.e., White Coat Ceremony, Student Match Day) to engage alumni/ae and create meaningful connections with current students, parents, and families.
• Partner with alumni/ae across the country to develop a comprehensive cultivation series.

Staff Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of two alumni/ae relations professionals by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, hosting weekly team meetings, providing hands-on guidance, and developing growth plans that outline professional development goals and opportunities.
• Conduct quarterly performance reviews leading to a year-end review that evaluates progress against growth plans, ability to take on increased levels of responsibility, and promotions.

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.