Associate Vice President, Social Sciences and Human Development, Advancement

Boston University•Boston, MA

5d•$250,000 - $300,000

About The Position

Boston University Advancement is evolving its approach to philanthropy through a collaborative, matrixed model that brings together University leadership, regional engagement, and the strengths of the University’s schools and colleges. Its priorities include securing $500 million in philanthropy annually, deepening relationships with a strategically defined segment of alumni and donors, and strengthening the organization while launching focused University priorities. The Associate Vice President (AVP), Social Sciences & Human Development Advancement, is the senior advancement leader for Boston University’s Social Sciences & Human Development portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President, Schools & Colleges Advancement, the AVP provides strategic direction for fundraising across the portfolio’s academic schools, colleges, and related interdisciplinary initiatives. The role translates academic priorities, faculty expertise, and institutional ambitions into philanthropic opportunities supporting teaching, research, creative expression, student success, and societal impact. The AVP works closely with academic deans, University leadership, faculty, advancement colleagues, alumni, donors, and volunteers to develop and execute integrated fundraising strategies for school-based and University-wide priorities. A central focus is catalyzing interdisciplinary philanthropy by connecting academic expertise, donor interests, and institutional priorities around “Big Ideas” addressing pressing societal challenges. As a member of the Schools & Colleges Advancement senior leadership team, the AVP builds philanthropic partnerships, advances principal and transformational gifts, and strengthens support for Boston University’s academic mission and long-term priorities.

Responsibilities

Lead identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of leadership, principal, and transformational gift prospects across the portfolio, while maintaining a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors.
Develop and execute fundraising strategies for education, communication, the arts, humanities, global studies, theology, social sciences, human development, faculty excellence, student success, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Build relationships with philanthropic leaders, foundation executives, arts patrons, media and communications leaders, nonprofit executives, international affairs leaders, and influential alumni whose interests align with BU’s academic strengths and priorities.
Translate academic, research, and creative initiatives into cases for support, fundraising proposals, and tailored donor engagement strategies.
Partner with the Principal Gift team, academic leaders, faculty, and advancement colleagues to identify and advance principal and transformational gift opportunities within the portfolio and across the University.
Set strategic direction for advancement across the portfolio, aligning fundraising priorities with school, college, and University goals.
Lead development and advancement of interdisciplinary fundraising initiatives and “Big Ideas” connecting disciplines, schools, colleges, and research units around shared philanthropic opportunities.
Identify opportunities to use BU’s academic strengths to address societal challenges and advance institutional priorities.
Work with deans, faculty leaders, and University leadership to turn emerging academic priorities, research strengths, creative endeavors, and institutional ambitions into fundraising initiatives.
Lead portfolio planning and prioritization, strengthening donor pipelines, advancing campaign priorities, and maximizing philanthropic potential.
Represent the portfolio in University-wide campaign planning, strategic discussions, and cross-school initiatives.
Provide strategic oversight of integrated advancement efforts, including donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, annual giving, volunteer leadership, and events.
Partner with school-based advancement teams on coordinated strategies to strengthen prospect pipelines, constituent engagement, and fundraising outcomes.
Build and strengthen advisory boards, volunteer leadership networks, and external partnerships.
Guide cultivation and engagement opportunities connecting donors and volunteers with faculty expertise, research, creative work, 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 supporting portfolio schools and units, setting priorities, goals, and expectations.
Foster collaboration, accountability, innovation, and fundraising excellence across school-based teams and University-wide advancement functions.
Support staff development, talent growth, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.
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 the portfolio.
Collaborate with fellow Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Deans, and other advancement leaders to advance shared fundraising goals, coordinate institutional priorities, and strengthen University-wide advancement.