Managing Director, Principal Gifts & External Engagement, Principal Gifts, Advancement

Boston University • Boston, MA

6d

About The Position

Boston University Advancement is seeking a Managing Director for Principal Gifts and External Engagement to join their team. This role reports to the Vice President for Principal Gift, International and Foundation Advancement and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of high net worth prospects and donors. The position focuses on securing philanthropic support for institutional priorities, building long-term relationships, and advancing the University's engagement with academic and industry partners. The Managing Director will serve as a strategic connector and regional convener, aligning BU's faculty with New England institutions and industry partners, and will operate as a regional "embassy" of Boston by coordinating cross-institutional activities and stewarding strategic opportunities. This role requires a senior-level relationship builder with experience in building high-net worth pipelines, a strong understanding of technology and innovation ecosystems, and the ability to operate independently while being highly collaborative.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
• Consistent track record of soliciting and closing major gifts (including multi-million-dollar/lead gifts preferred).
• Demonstrated success building and managing a portfolio and pipeline that led to campaign-level commitments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, volunteers, and institutional leaders.
• Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel frequently for prospect visits and events.
• Flexible work hours based on donor engagement needs.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRMs and ability to use data to inform strategy.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education or large nonprofits running comprehensive campaigns.
• Familiarity with gift vehicles such as endowments, pledges, charitable trusts, and complex naming opportunities.
• Track record of working with volunteer leaders and integrating senior leadership into solicitation strategies.
• Network in relevant donor communities or regions valuable to the institution.
• Strong understanding of technology, AI, venture ecosystems, cross-sector innovation.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage an active portfolio of 60-80 prospective principal gift donors, including individuals, parents, friends of BU, and Foundations.
• Develop and implement strategies to continuously replenish and grow the pipeline of prospective lead gift donors.
• Lead the preparation of proposals for high-stakes solicitations and secure major gifts (lead gifts, seven-figure+ or institutionally defined campaign-level gifts).
• Coordinate with senior leadership and volunteer solicitors to close transformational gifts.
• Develop strategies for collaboration with advancement colleagues, including Foundation Relations, Major Gifts, Parent and Family Advancement, International Advancement, and Schools and Centers teams.
• Maintain accurate prospect and activity records in the CRM and ensure open communication with advancement colleagues.
• Meet and report on performance metrics including pipeline value, solicitations completed, gifts closed, and stewardship outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with ARCE to deepen engagement with New England alumni as ambassadors, connectors, in-kind contributors, and potential philanthropic leaders.
• Host high-visibility convenings in collaboration with ARCE to elevate BU’s regional/global reputation and catalyze giving.
• Serve as BU’s senior in-region ambassador to industry, local government stakeholders, and thought leaders.
• Serve as regional coordinator and connector for BU faculty and cross-functional administrators, developing strategic engagement opportunities.
• Connect visiting faculty and leaders with relevant industry partners, alumni, and other stakeholders.
• Identify high-impact partnership opportunities in technology, AI, biotech, media, venture capital, and creative industries.
• Develop strategic relationships with leading firms to advance faculty research collaborations, sponsored research, executive education, and student internships/career pipelines.
• Facilitate relationships that will lead to expanded high-quality internship, experiential learning, practicum education, and career pathways in high-growth sectors.
• Support strategic recruitment initiatives for undergraduate and graduate programs in collaboration with Enrollment teams.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer status.
• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior