Associate Vice President, Social Sciences and Human Development, Advancement

Boston University•Boston, MA

15d

About The Position

Boston University Advancement is expanding its collaborative, matrixed model to support institutional growth and impact. The Associate Vice President (AVP), Social Sciences & Human Development Advancement, is the senior advancement leader for Boston University’s Social Sciences & Human Development portfolio and reports to the Vice President, Schools & Colleges Advancement. The AVP provides strategic direction for fundraising across academic schools, colleges, and related interdisciplinary initiatives. The AVP connects the University’s strengths in the humanities, social sciences, education, communication, arts, global studies, theology, and human development with philanthropic investment. The role translates academic priorities, faculty expertise, and institutional ambitions into fundraising opportunities that advance teaching, research, creative expression, student success, and societal impact. The AVP partners with academic deans, University leadership, faculty, advancement colleagues, alumni, donors, and volunteer leaders to develop and execute integrated strategies. A central focus is catalyzing interdisciplinary philanthropy through “Big Ideas” that connect academic expertise, donor interests, and institutional priorities to address societal challenges. As a member of the Schools & Colleges Advancement senior leadership team, the AVP provides strategic vision and collaborative leadership, builds philanthropic partnerships, advances principal and transformational gifts, and strengthens support for Boston University’s academic mission and long-term institutional priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, fundraising, development, or a related field, with demonstrated success securing major gifts and advancing complex fundraising initiatives.
Experience developing and executing strategic fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities and organizational goals.
Ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors and build lasting relationships with alumni, philanthropic leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including evaluating fundraising opportunities, assessing prospect pipelines, and making data-informed decisions.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including developing cases for support, presenting fundraising strategies, and communicating with senior leaders, donors, and volunteers.
Ability to build partnerships, influence stakeholders, and advance collaborative initiatives across complex organizations.
Advanced project management and organizational skills, including managing competing priorities and multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and ability to work independently while exercising discretion in support of institutional priorities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or relevant advanced training.
Experience in higher education advancement, particularly within the humanities, social sciences, education, communication, arts, theology, global studies, or related academic disciplines.
Demonstrated success securing principal, transformational, or other significant philanthropic gifts for academic, research, creative, student success, or institutional priorities.
Experience partnering with academic deans, faculty leaders, executive leadership, and volunteer leaders to develop and advance fundraising strategies.
Experience leading interdisciplinary fundraising initiatives connecting multiple schools, colleges, departments, or organizational units.
Commitment to teamwork, transparency, mutual respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, integrity, strategic thinking, curiosity, continuous growth, and shared appreciation for working toward meaningful goals.

Responsibilities

Lead the 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 comprehensive fundraising strategies supporting the portfolio’s academic disciplines, 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.
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.
Set strategic direction for advancement across the portfolio and align fundraising priorities with school, college, and University goals.
Lead the development and advancement of interdisciplinary fundraising initiatives and “Big Ideas.”
Identify opportunities to use BU’s academic strengths to address societal challenges and advance institutional priorities.
Partner with academic deans, faculty leaders, and University leadership to develop fundraising initiatives from emerging priorities, research strengths, creative endeavors, and institutional ambitions.
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.
Provide strategic oversight of donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, annual giving, volunteer leadership, and events across the portfolio.
Partner with school-based advancement teams to coordinate strategies that strengthen prospect pipelines, constituent engagement, and fundraising outcomes.
Build advisory boards, volunteer leadership networks, and external partnerships.
Guide cultivation and engagement opportunities that connect 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 to advancement professionals supporting schools and units in the portfolio, 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-level planning, prospect management, and performance assessment, using 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’s disciplines.
Collaborate with Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Deans, and other advancement leaders to advance shared fundraising goals and coordinate institutional priorities.