Brandeis University appoints celebrated advancement executive Jordan Tannenbaum to senior vice president role
February 25, 2025
Jordan Tannenbaum ’72
Waltham, Mass. — Brandeis University is pleased to announce the appointment of nationally renowned nonprofit leader Jordan Tannenbaum as Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement. In this role, he will oversee alumni relations, fundraising, and donor engagement.
“Jordan Tannenbaum is a celebrated and deeply admired development leader who understands our Jewish roots, embodies our values, and like me, has a true love for this university,” said Arthur Levine, Interim President, Brandeis University. “His return to Brandeis is an extraordinary opportunity for the university, and I could not be more happy to welcome him back.”
The role marks a return to Brandeis for Tannenbaum, an inspiring, results-driven professional with a proven track record in creating, leading, and executing plans that drive growth and success. As a cum laude graduate of the class of ’72, Tannebaum brings a familiarity with, and passion for, Brandeis that will be an asset in his new role. Additionally, early in his career, he worked as a fundraiser for the university.
Until recently, Tannenbaum was the Chief Development Officer of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw major gifts, the annual fund, planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations, and strategically developed and implemented a comprehensive campaign that exceeded its goal to raise $1 billion. During his nearly two decades in this position, he built relationships with and engaged a variety of constituents, including donors, museum patrons, and Holocaust survivors and their children and grandchildren.
“I am a product of a Brandeis education and know first-hand of its value, my time here as a student shaped my life choices and influenced my career trajectory. I could not be more proud to return in this new capacity as we look to secure Brandeis’ foothold in the changing landscape of higher education,” said Tannenbaum. “I am looking forward to all that we will be able to accomplish with the support of our dedicated alumni and friends.”
Previously, Tannenbaum was Vice President for Development for Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life in Washington, D.C., where he also had an impressive track record and was known for his exceptional skills in building and managing strong teams, driving mission-focused cultures, assessing and resolving risks, working with diverse stakeholders, and forging partnerships.
Tannenbaum is a cum laude graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law. And while he is a lawyer by training, he has also held senior fundraising positions at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, and B'nai B'rith International. He is the former vice chair of Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and has served on the council since 2021.
Tannenbaum is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves and recipient of the Legion of Merit Award. He is a thirty-year member of the Naval Civil Engineer Corps Officers School adjunct faculty. Additionally, as an expert in complying with requirements and implementing regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, he is an in-demand speaker regarding historic preservation laws and policies.
