Major Gift Officer, Athletics Major Gifts

Boston University•Boston, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Major Gift Officer (MGO), Athletics, serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for building, managing, and advancing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects in support of Boston University Athletics. Working closely with the Managing Director, Athletics Advancement and the Associate Director, Athletics Initiatives, the MGO will execute all phases of the major gift cycle—identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—with a focus on securing commitments of $250,000 and above for a wide range of Athletics priorities. This role requires a disciplined, strategic approach to portfolio management, including the development of individualized engagement strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities. The MGO will collaborate across Advancement and with Athletics leadership to identify and present compelling giving opportunities that resonate with prospective donors, while consistently driving prospect movement and pipeline growth. The ideal candidate brings at least three to 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 will be defined by the ability to build authentic, long-term relationships, execute thoughtful solicitation strategies, and secure major gifts that advance the mission and competitive excellence of Boston University Athletics.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Three to five years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, advancement, business development, sales, or relationship management within a complex organization.
Demonstrated ability to build, cultivate, and sustain strong relationships with donors, clients, or other key stakeholders.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions that support departmental and organizational objectives.
Experience planning and coordinating complex projects or initiatives while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple functions.
Ability to influence and coordinate the work of others through collaboration and partnership, including participating in hiring processes and planning work activities as needed.
Experience monitoring budgets, reconciling expenses, or managing financial resources in support of departmental goals.
Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends in support of donor meetings and University events.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Experience in higher education advancement, collegiate athletics fundraising, or a similar mission-driven organization.
Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and successfully developing and executing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
Knowledge of philanthropic principles, major gift fundraising, and planned giving opportunities.
Experience partnering with senior leaders, coaches, volunteers, faculty, or other high-level stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
Familiarity with Boston University, NCAA Division I athletics, or a comparable complex academic institution.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 80-100 major gift prospects and donors in support of Boston University Athletics, with a focus on securing commitments of $250,000 and above for strategic priorities including scholarships, student-athlete experience, facilities, endowed coaching positions, and other Athletics initiatives.
In partnership with annual giving colleagues and the Associate Director for Athletics Initiatives, identify and qualify new prospects while deepening engagement with existing major donors across the athletics community.
Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies in close collaboration with the Managing Director of Athletics Advancement, athletics leadership, coaches, and key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective donor approach.
Build authentic, long-term relationships that move prospects through the full engagement cycle of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Work with leadership to establish clear pathways, timelines, and strategies for successful solicitations, including appropriate use of planned giving opportunities.
Represent Athletics Advancement at key donor engagement and cultivation events designed to strengthen relationships and identify new philanthropic opportunities.
Attend, staff, and support signature events including the Athletics Leaders Celebration, Alumni Weekend, Head of the Charles, Red Hot Hockey, Beanpot, NCAA postseason events including Final Four and Frozen Four, as applicable, Athletics Advisory Council meetings, and other strategic Athletics and University events.
Support team-specific reunions, alumni gatherings, game-day hospitality, regional events, and donor receptions, leveraging these experiences to deepen constituent engagement and advance fundraising objectives.
Partner with the Stewardship team to ensure donors in portfolio receive timely, personalized recognition and meaningful reports demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy.
Maintain ongoing communication with donors by sharing institutional and Athletics updates aligned with their interests, fostering lifelong engagement and continued investment in Boston University Athletics.
Collaborate across Advancement to deliver an exceptional donor experience that reflects the University's commitment to relationship-based philanthropy and long-term partnership.