LSST Discovery Alliance
Director of Strategic Engagement and Philanthropy
Amanda Preston joined the Discovery Alliance as Director of Strategic Engagement and Philanthropy in 2025. She has decades of experience leading philanthropy programs, interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations, and organizational and capital strategic planning. She has directed external and internal relations, legislative relations, and board governance and capacity-building programs in many organizations as a staff member or consultant.
At the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Amanda served as the inaugural Advancement and External Affairs Officer for 14 years and was Executive Director of the Harvard University Origins of Life Initiative for six years. Her professional experience includes positions in higher education, environmental research, and arts and culture.
Her passion is developing and deepening ethical and trusting professional relationships that are grounded in mission-critical work. She also brings significant experience in guiding inter- and intra-institutional collaborations to successful outcomes. Amanda has had a career-long commitment to teaching and promoting ethical fundraising.
Amanda is a graduate of Wellesley College, with complementary coursework completed at MIT. Her personal interests include disability and elder rights, knitting, role-playing games, and her 30-year continuous book group.