Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Boston College • Newton, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Boston College seeks a Senior Philanthropic Advisor to play a central role in its principal giving strategy, partnering closely with senior leadership to secure transformative seven- and eight-figure commitments and above. The Senior Philanthropic Advisor serves as a trusted institutional representative and strategic partner, translating Boston College’s Jesuit Catholic mission and academic priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities for a select group of the University’s most influential constituents. Success in this role requires exceptional judgment, executive presence, and the ability to navigate complex relationships with discretion and sophistication.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of fundraising experience, preferably in a higher-education campaign environment or another complex nonprofit setting. Alternatively, leadership-level experience in a role directly correlated with success as the Senior Philanthropic Advisor will be considered.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing multiple seven- and eight-figure gifts within a complex university or nonprofit environment, with deep expertise in sophisticated gift strategy development and a comprehensive command of fundraising principles and practices.
• Exceptional strategic acumen, with the ability to manage nuanced relationships and navigate institutional dynamics at the highest levels.
• Experience developing sophisticated gift strategies, including complex and blended giving vehicles.
• Deep appreciation for, and ability to effectively communicate, the values and impact of Jesuit Catholic education.
• Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and a high degree of discretion.
• Willingness and ability to travel to regions including New England, Florida, the West Coast, and the United Kingdom.
• A combination of strategic insight, relationship sophistication, and mission alignment, along with a demonstrated ability to influence without authority and operate effectively in highly collaborative, high-stakes environments.
• Comfortable engaging with senior university leaders and donors.
• Motivated by the opportunity to shape philanthropic investments that advance Boston College’s mission.
• Ability to move donors through the qualification and cultivation processes toward solicitation and gifts at capacity, build a pipeline for future support, and collaborate strategically and effectively with University Advancement colleagues across departments and with university leadership.
• Must be a team player who is highly motivated and dedicated to the goals of advancing higher education and have an appreciation for Jesuit Catholic education and the goals and values of Boston College.

Responsibilities

• Manage a highly curated portfolio of approximately 60-70 alumni, families, and select partners with the capacity to make seven- and eight-figure commitments as well as significant principal discovery/qualification work for prospects on a trajectory of having future principal potential.
• Design and lead individualized strategies that deepen engagement, align donor interests with institutional priorities, and move prospects toward principal-level investments.
• Personally qualify, cultivate, solicit, and develop a comprehensive strategy to close 7 and 8-figure gifts.
• Serve as a senior advisor on principal gift strategy, partnering with advancement leadership, academic leaders, and gift officers to design and execute highly customized engagement plans for top-tier prospects.
• Provide counsel on complex donor strategy, including positioning, timing, and institutional alignment.
• Represent Boston College’s vision and priorities to high-net-worth individuals and key stakeholders in the U.S. and internationally.
• Partner closely with the strategic engagement team, regional leadership, Trustees, and senior University leaders to coordinate strategy for top prospects and donors across geographies.
• Contribute to developing a robust principal-gift pipeline to ensure the long-term sustainability of campaign priorities.
• Collaborate across University Advancement to align efforts, share intelligence, and maximize institutional impact.
• Plan, staff, and brief University leaders for substantive strategic prospect/donor visits and events.

Benefits

• Tuition remission for Employees
• Tuition remission for Spouses and Children who meet eligibility requirements
• Generous Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Low-Cost Life Insurance
• Eligibility for both University-Funded 401k and Employer-Sponsored 403b Retirement Plans
• Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Sick and Vacation Pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees