Associate Vice President, Health and Life Sciences Advancement

Boston University•Boston, MA

5d•$250,000 - $300,000

About The Position

Boston University Advancement is evolving its collaborative, matrixed approach to fundraising, with priorities that include securing $500 million in annual philanthropy, deepening relationships with a strategically defined group of alumni and donors, and strengthening the organization while launching focused University priorities. The organization includes more than 250 advancement professionals. The Associate Vice President (AVP), Health & Life Sciences Advancement, leads philanthropic strategy across Boston University’s health and life sciences portfolio. This includes the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Social Work, and related natural sciences departments and interdisciplinary initiatives. The AVP partners with academic deans, University leadership, faculty, advancement colleagues, alumni, donors, and volunteer leaders to develop and execute fundraising strategies supporting academic priorities, research, public health, faculty excellence, student success, and institutional goals. As a member of the Schools & Colleges Advancement senior leadership team, the AVP advances interdisciplinary philanthropy by connecting academic expertise, donor interests, and institutional priorities. The role leads collaborative advancement efforts across schools, colleges, centers, institutes, and research units, including coordinated fundraising strategies, campaign priorities, volunteer engagement, and institutional philanthropic goals. The AVP reports to the Vice President, Schools & Colleges Advancement.

Responsibilities

Lead identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of leadership, principal, and transformational gift prospects across the Health & Life Sciences portfolio, while maintaining a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors.
Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies for the School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Sargent College, School of Social Work, Natural Sciences, and related health sciences priorities.
Build relationships with healthcare leaders, biotechnology entrepreneurs, pharmaceutical executives, health-focused foundations, industry partners, and influential alumni.
Develop and present principal and transformational gift proposals and donor engagement strategies.
Set strategic direction for advancement across the Health & Life Sciences portfolio and align fundraising priorities with school, college, and University goals.
Lead interdisciplinary fundraising initiatives and “Big Ideas” connecting schools, colleges, centers, institutes, and research units.
Identify opportunities to combine the strengths of medicine, public health, dentistry, rehabilitation sciences, social work, and natural sciences to advance discovery, improve health outcomes, and address societal challenges.
Partner with academic deans, faculty leaders, and University leadership to turn emerging research, clinical priorities, academic initiatives, and institutional ambitions into compelling fundraising opportunities.
Lead portfolio-level planning and prioritization to strengthen donor pipelines, advance campaign priorities, and maximize philanthropic potential.
Represent the portfolio in University-wide campaign planning, strategic discussions, and cross-school initiatives.
Coordinate cluster-wide governance structures and Dean’s Advisory Board engagement in partnership with the AVP, Development Volunteer and Leadership Engagement.
Provide strategic oversight of integrated advancement efforts, including donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, and events.
Establish strategic growth targets and performance objectives for cluster-wide advancement activities, monitor progress, and identify opportunities to strengthen philanthropic outcomes.
Partner with school-based advancement teams on coordinated plans to strengthen prospect pipelines, constituent engagement, and fundraising results.
Guide the development and engagement of advisory boards, volunteer leadership networks, and external partnerships.
Develop cultivation, engagement, and stewardship opportunities that connect donors and volunteers with faculty expertise, scientific discoveries, clinical innovations, student experiences, and institutional priorities.
Promote a coordinated, high-quality donor experience across schools, colleges, and advancement teams.
Provide strategic direction and leadership to advancement professionals, Assistant Deans, and academic partners, setting priorities, goals, and performance expectations.
Set the portfolio’s strategic vision, establish and execute annual and long-term advancement goals, and lead teams toward measurable fundraising and engagement outcomes.
Foster collaboration, accountability, innovation, and fundraising excellence across school-based teams and University-wide advancement functions.
Lead staff development, performance management, talent growth, and organizational planning.
Oversee portfolio planning, prospect management, and performance assessment, using fundraising results and pipeline insights to inform decisions, allocate resources, and improve effectiveness.
Advise the Vice President, Schools & Colleges Advancement, on fundraising strategy, leadership engagement, and emerging philanthropic opportunities related to health sciences, biomedical research, public health, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Collaborate with Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Deans, and other advancement leaders to coordinate institutional priorities and advance University-wide fundraising goals.
Ensure the portfolio’s advancement strategy aligns with University Advancement’s comprehensive campaign priorities and broader strategic initiatives.