Our Mission

We in Boston University Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) harness the power of philanthropy to make an excellent education accessible and welcoming to all, and to advance BU’s global leadership in research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice.  To support our work, we have built—and are continuing to build—an outstanding team of dynamic, mission-driven advancement professionals who constantly strive to create an environment where everyone belongs.  Where it’s not just about a job, but a career and a community.

Now, our Major Gifts team is looking for a Major Gift Officer who will expand and enhance fundraising efforts across the Northeast region.

Major Gifts at Boston University

The Major Gifts (MG) team is a regionally based team that covers six regions domestically and is not affiliated with any particular school or college. The MG team focuses on the discovery, qualification, solicitation, and close of major gifts ($100K+).

Major Gift Officer

Working closely with the Senior Director of Major Gifts for the Northeast and the Major Gift Officer for New England, this position will be instrumental in identifying, qualifying, and cultivating major donor prospects to secure six-figure gifts that will support a wide range of initiatives at Boston University. These priorities include scholarships, research, faculty support, and special initiatives set forth by President Melissa Gilliam.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strategic and creative approach to relationship-building, collaborating effectively with colleagues across BU’s 17 Colleges and Schools, Special Initiatives, Leadership Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Donor Relations. The ability to drive high-impact fundraising initiatives and develop strong, long-lasting connections with donors will be key to success in this role.

Responsibilities:

·       Prospect Qualification, Cultivation, and Solicitation:
Lead efforts to identify, qualify, and secure leadership gifts of $100,000+ across the Northeast, with a focus on supporting programs, research, scholarships, and other presidential priorities. In the first 18 months, the primary goal will be on prospect qualification, with the objective of building a robust portfolio of 40-50 qualified major gift prospects. Develop and execute tailored strategies in close collaboration with deans, school-based development officers, and other key stakeholders, ensuring the effective use of time, resources, and personnel. Work with the Senior Director to develop actionable plans and timelines for successful solicitations, including utilizing planned giving vehicles when appropriate.

·       Management of Exclusive Donor Engagement Opportunities:
Assist in managing the New York and New England Regional Leadership Councils, including recruiting new members, cultivating existing members, and supporting regular meetings and related events. Collaborate with the team to plan and execute smaller-scale events—such as neighborhood socials, donor dinners, and company-based gatherings—designed to foster relationships with new major gift prospects and deepen engagement with current donors.

·       Donor Stewardship & Communication:
 Partner with the Stewardship team to ensure donors receive timely, personalized updates on the impact of their gifts, as well as developments at the University, particularly in their areas of interest. Cultivate ongoing relationships with donors throughout their lifecycle, providing a seamless experience that encourages continued involvement and long-term engagement.