Beth Balmuth Raffeld, senior vice president for advancement for the Museum of Science, Boston, has been appointed senior director of philanthropic partnerships in the MIT Office of Resource Development, MIT Vice President for Resource Development Jeffrey Newton announced today.
A seasoned development professional with extensive college and university experience, Raffeld's "admirable skills and professionalism will help us to define and organize our efforts pertaining to our principal gift prospects," Newton said.
Raffeld, who assumes her new role on Sept. 1, said she is "delighted to join President Susan Hockfield and Jeffrey Newton to help secure philanthropic partnerships. The studies and research at MIT are important for the world, now and in the future. I am honored to be joining an institution that has global impact, and I am excited to help tell the story to potential investors. I know that MIT has a loyal alumni body, and I look forward to meeting everyone in the MIT community, " said Raffeld.
Raffeld's achievements at the Museum of Science include establishing a strong advancement program that has achieved record fund-raising goals.
She has also served as associate vice president and dean for development for Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences; director of development and principal gifts for Williams College, and as vice president for development for Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston.
During her 14 years at Williams College, Raffeld managed the fund-raising of many of the key college building projects, directed the 25th reunion programs, and served as director of major gifts for Williams' Third Century Campaign. She also co-created and taught a Williams course, "Corporate Leadership and Social Responsibility."
She has also worked on the Smith College Campaign.
Raffeld received her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College, graduating cum laude with majors in English and music.
Her early development career included roles with Music of the Baroque in Chicago, the Chicago Historical Society and the Shakespeare & Company Theatre in Lenox, Mass.
Raffeld grew up in Hamilton, N.Y., the daughter of a Colgate University philosophy professor and a high school English teacher.
"I am most comfortable in an academic environment, absorbing the intellectual energy, and being a part of the community, " Raffeld stated.
Trained in classical singing and oboe, Raffeld maintains her active interest in music, serving as a lay leader for the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro. She also serves on the board of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston.
Raffeld lives in Newton, Mass. with her family.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on September 12, 2007 (download PDF).
