Senior Major Gift Officer, College of Communication, Advancement

Boston University•Boston, MA

About The Position

Boston University Advancement is seeking a Senior Major Gift Officer (Sr. MGO) for the College of Communication. The role advances the College’s fundraising priorities and works closely with colleagues across Advancement and the University, including Major Gifts, Special Initiatives, Principal Gifts, Athletics, the Dean of Students Office, University Centers, and other Schools and Colleges. The Sr. MGO manages donor engagement throughout the fundraising cycle and works with faculty, senior leadership, volunteers, and strategic campus partners. In partnership with the College Dean and Director of Development, the Sr. MGO establishes annual and long-term goals for portfolio and donor growth aligned with College and University priorities. The position engages alumni, parents, friends, high-level prospects, and volunteers; uses data to identify, qualify, and solicit major and principal gifts; and works with faculty and staff to connect institutional priorities with the impact of philanthropic support. The position manages special projects assigned by College leadership and requires domestic travel to major and secondary markets. Boston University’s College of Communication, established in 1947, focuses on Journalism, Film & Television, and Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations. Its student population exceeds 2,000 annually and includes undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. The College combines a liberal arts core with preparation for communication professions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, alumni relations, or a related field.
At least four years of direct experience soliciting six-figure gifts.
Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts, including six- and seven-figure commitments.
Experience managing a major gift prospect portfolio and developing and executing strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
Strong understanding of the full fundraising cycle, including prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship.
Experience developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities and organizational goals.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, volunteers, alumni, and donors.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to develop compelling proposals, cases for support, and solicitation strategies.
Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, including the ability to interpret prospect data, establish priorities, and manage competing deadlines.
Ability to travel regularly, including overnight travel, and attend occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience in higher education or academic advancement, preferably within a large, complex university.
Experience building or expanding a major gift portfolio, including identifying and qualifying new prospects in an emerging or developing fundraising program.
Experience working in a comprehensive or capital campaign environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a portfolio of more than 80 major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends of the College, primarily in Metro NYC and New England.
Cultivate and solicit major gifts of $100,000 or more and principal gift prospects of $5 million or more.
Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and Prospect Research to build a portfolio of rated prospects aligned with College and University priorities.
Develop solicitation strategies with COM faculty, senior leadership, and campus partners.
Prepare written proposals, gift agreements, and other solicitation materials.
Work with Planned Giving and Foundation Relations to develop solicitation strategies for individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Work with regional colleagues in Major and Principal Gifts.
Collaborate with events teams and volunteers to organize regional events and foster philanthropy among College constituents.
Set long-term goals aligned with College and University priorities and help lead the College’s annual strategic fundraising plan.
Create and execute cultivation and stewardship plans for portfolio prospects.
Build relationships with COM faculty, administrators, and colleagues to develop compelling cases for support.
Assist in creating and revising annual operating plans and budgets, and conduct annual reviews of fundraising strategies.
Partner with the Assistant Dean for Advancement to create and implement stewardship programs for major donors.
Regularly update donors on the impact of their gifts and changes at the College or University.
Manage special projects assigned by the Dean and Assistant Dean for Advancement.