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Boston University Advancement
Boston University Advancement is at a pivotal moment, guided by new leadership and a clear strategic framework for growth and impact. Our work is organized around three core priorities: securing $500 million in philanthropy annually; deepening relationships with a strategically defined segment of alumni and donors; and strengthening the organizational foundation while launching focused priority areas across the University.
Advancement is evolving into a highly collaborative, matrixed model that integrates new University leadership, regional engagement, and the distinctive strengths of BU's schools and colleges. With more than 250 advancement professionals, the organization is building the capacity, partnerships, and culture required to deliver sustained philanthropic momentum and institutional impact.
Major Gift Officer, New England
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO), New England, serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for building, managing, and advancing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects who reside primarily in New England in support of Boston University. This position is part of the Major Gifts Team, organized across five regions nationwide-New England, New York, Florida, Northern California, and Southern California-and reports to the Managing Director, New England.
With more than 400,000 alumni worldwide, New England is home to Boston University's largest concentration of alumni, parents, and friends, making this a high-impact role at the center of the University's philanthropic efforts. The MGO will lead all phases of the major gift cycle-identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship-with a focus on securing commitments of $100,000 and above in support of a broad range of university priorities.
This position requires a disciplined, strategic approach to portfolio management, including developing individualized engagement strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities. The MGO will collaborate with the New England Major Gifts team, Regional Major Gifts colleagues, Advancement partners, and university leadership to identify and present compelling philanthropic opportunities while consistently advancing prospect movement and portfolio growth. Success in this role is defined by the ability to build authentic, long-term relationships, execute thoughtful solicitation strategies, and secure major gifts that advance Boston University's mission and long-term excellence.
The ideal candidate brings at least five years of relevant experience in fundraising, business development, sales, or relationship management within a complex organization, with advancement experience preferred. Success in this role requires exceptional communication and presentation skills, sound judgment, strong collaboration, and the ability to work effectively with university leaders, volunteers, and colleagues across the institution. A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required, along with the ability and willingness to travel.
Position Responsibilities
Prospect Qualification, Cultivation, and Solicitation (50%)
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends, across various stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Build and sustain authentic, long-term relationships that deepen engagement and align donor interests with Boston University's priorities. Lead the development and execution of strategic solicitation plans to secure six- and seven-figure gifts. Establish clear timelines and tailored engagement strategies for each prospect, incorporating complex and blended gift vehicles, including charitable gift annuities, trusts, and bequests, when appropriate. Guide prospects through the decision-making process with clarity, responsiveness, and sound judgment to maximize philanthropic impact and advance the University's mission.
Pipeline Development and Cross-Unit Collaboration (20%)
Partner with Annual Giving, Principal Giving, and Advancement colleagues to strengthen the donor pipeline and support seamless movement across the giving continuum. Maintain consistent, meaningful engagement with prospects to build long-term relationships, increase readiness for solicitation, and position donors for transformational philanthropic investment.
Donor Stewardship and Communication (15%)
Partner with Stewardship and Donor Relations to ensure donors within the portfolio receive timely, personalized communications that demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy and highlight meaningful university news and developments aligned with their interests. Collaborate with schools, colleges, and administrative units to coordinate stewardship efforts and share prospect activity as donors progress through the major gift lifecycle, ensuring consistent communication, strong internal partnership, and an exceptional donor experience.
Event Strategy and Special Projects (15%)
Develop and execute strategic engagement plans that leverage curated events and experiences to identify, cultivate, and deepen relationships with major gift prospects and donors. Partner with Advancement colleagues and university leadership to identify hosts, design individualized engagement strategies, and create meaningful opportunities that move prospects toward major gift solicitations.
Integrate Alumni Relations programming and broader University events into regional fundraising strategies to strengthen relationships and expand philanthropic opportunities throughout New England. Lead or support special projects and other initiatives as assigned by the Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts and the Managing Director, New England.
Required Skills
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five or more years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, advancement, business development, sales, or relationship management within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining strong relationships with donors, clients, or other key stakeholders.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a results-oriented approach to portfolio management.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or a similar mission-driven organization.
• Experience managing and soliciting major gift prospects, including developing and executing successful cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Knowledge of philanthropic principles, major gift fundraising, and planned giving vehicles.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders, volunteers, faculty, or other high-level stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
• Familiarity with Boston University or a comparable complex academic institution.

But that's not all we're looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member's contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
• Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
• Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
• Continuous growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
• Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.

To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University and other job opportunities, please stop by the Advancement Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/advancement-talent/.
We recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking, and we're committed to building a team where everyone can thrive.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural, protective, or culturally significant hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
If you require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.