MAJOR GIFT OFFICER, NEW ENGLAND, Major Gifts New England

Boston University•Boston, MA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Boston University Advancement is seeking a Major Gift Officer (MGO) for the New England region. This frontline fundraising professional will be responsible for building, managing, and advancing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects, primarily in New England, to support Boston University. The role is part of the Major Gifts Team, organized across five regions nationwide, and reports to the Managing Director, New England. New England is home to the largest concentration of BU's alumni, parents, and friends, making this a high-impact position. The MGO will lead all phases of the major gift cycle—identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—focusing on securing commitments of $100,000 and above for various university priorities. This role requires a disciplined, strategic approach to portfolio management, developing individualized engagement strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities. Collaboration with the New England Major Gifts team, Regional Major Gifts colleagues, Advancement partners, and university leadership is key to identifying and presenting compelling philanthropic opportunities and advancing portfolio growth. Success is defined by building authentic, long-term relationships, executing thoughtful solicitation strategies, and securing major gifts that advance BU's mission and excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Five or more years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, advancement, business development, sales, or relationship management within a complex organization.
Demonstrated success building and sustaining strong relationships with donors, clients, or other key stakeholders.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a results-oriented approach to portfolio management.
Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or a similar mission-driven organization.
Experience managing and soliciting major gift prospects, including developing and executing successful cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Knowledge of philanthropic principles, major gift fundraising, and planned giving vehicles.
Experience partnering with senior leaders, volunteers, faculty, or other high-level stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
Familiarity with Boston University or a comparable complex academic institution.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends, across various stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Build and sustain authentic, long-term relationships that deepen engagement and align donor interests with Boston University's priorities.
Lead the development and execution of strategic solicitation plans to secure six- and seven-figure gifts.
Establish clear timelines and tailored engagement strategies for each prospect, incorporating complex and blended gift vehicles, including charitable gift annuities, trusts, and bequests, when appropriate.
Guide prospects through the decision-making process with clarity, responsiveness, and sound judgment to maximize philanthropic impact and advance the University's mission.
Partner with Annual Giving, Principal Giving, and Advancement colleagues to strengthen the donor pipeline and support seamless movement across the giving continuum.
Maintain consistent, meaningful engagement with prospects to build long-term relationships, increase readiness for solicitation, and position donors for transformational philanthropic investment.
Partner with Stewardship and Donor Relations to ensure donors within the portfolio receive timely, personalized communications that demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy and highlight meaningful university news and developments aligned with their interests.
Collaborate with schools, colleges, and administrative units to coordinate stewardship efforts and share prospect activity as donors progress through the major gift lifecycle, ensuring consistent communication, strong internal partnership, and an exceptional donor experience.
Develop and execute strategic engagement plans that leverage curated events and experiences to identify, cultivate, and deepen relationships with major gift prospects and donors.
Partner with Advancement colleagues and university leadership to identify hosts, design individualized engagement strategies, and create meaningful opportunities that move prospects toward major gift solicitations.
Integrate Alumni Relations programming and broader University events into regional fundraising strategies to strengthen relationships and expand philanthropic opportunities throughout New England.
Lead or support special projects and other initiatives as assigned by the Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts and the Managing Director, New England.