MAJOR GIFT OFFICER, NORTHEAST, Development & Alumni Relations, Major Gifts

University of California; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Major Gift Officer to enhance fundraising initiatives across the Northeast. This dynamic role involves identifying and cultivating major donor prospects to secure significant contributions for scholarships, research, and special initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, outstanding relationship-building skills, and a passion for philanthropy. Join a collaborative team dedicated to making a meaningful impact and fostering an inclusive environment. If you are driven by results and eager to contribute to ambitious campaigns, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in sales or business development, preferably in advancement.
• Strong understanding of development and philanthropy with a proven track record.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure leadership gifts of $100,000+ across the Northeast region.
• Manage donor engagement opportunities and cultivate relationships with prospects.

Skills

Sales and Business Development

Relationship Building

Development and Philanthropy

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Strategic Thinking

Ability to Travel

Job description

MAJOR GIFT OFFICER, NORTHEAST, Development & Alumni Relations, Major Gifts

Job Location

BOSTON, MA, United States

Tracking Code

25500004030402

Posted Date

4/3/2025

Salary Grade

Grade 50

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Our Mission

We in Boston University Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) harness the power of philanthropy to make an excellent education accessible and welcoming to all, and to advance BU’s global leadership in research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice. To support our work, we have built—and are continuing to build—an outstanding team of dynamic, mission-driven advancement professionals who constantly strive to create an environment where everyone belongs.

Now, our Major Gifts team is looking for a Major Gift Officer who will expand and enhance fundraising efforts across the Northeast region.

Major Gifts at Boston University

The Major Gifts (MG) team is a regionally based team that covers six regions domestically and is not affiliated with any particular school or college. The MG team focuses on the discovery, qualification, solicitation, and close of major gifts ($100K+).

Major Gift Officer

Working closely with the Senior Director of Major Gifts for the Northeast and the Major Gift Officer for New England, this position will be instrumental in identifying, qualifying, and cultivating major donor prospects to secure six-figure gifts that will support a wide range of initiatives at Boston University. These priorities include scholarships, research, faculty support, and special initiatives set forth by President Melissa Gilliam.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strategic and creative approach to relationship-building, collaborating effectively with colleagues across BU’s 17 Colleges and Schools, Special Initiatives, Leadership Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Donor Relations. The ability to drive high-impact fundraising initiatives and develop strong, long-lasting connections with donors will be key to success in this role.

Responsibilities:

1. Prospect Qualification, Cultivation, and Solicitation:
   Lead efforts to identify, qualify, and secure leadership gifts of $100,000+ across the Northeast, focusing on supporting programs, research, scholarships, and other presidential priorities. In the first 18 months, the primary goal will be on prospect qualification, with the objective of building a robust portfolio of 40-50 qualified major gift prospects. Develop and execute tailored strategies in close collaboration with deans, school-based development officers, and other key stakeholders, ensuring the effective use of time, resources, and personnel. Work with the Senior Director to develop actionable plans and timelines for successful solicitations, including utilizing planned giving vehicles when appropriate.
2. Management of Exclusive Donor Engagement Opportunities:
   Assist in managing the New York and New England Regional Leadership Councils, including recruiting new members, cultivating existing members, and supporting regular meetings and related events. Collaborate with the team to plan and execute smaller-scale events—such as neighborhood socials, donor dinners, and company-based gatherings—designed to foster relationships with new major gift prospects and deepen engagement with current donors.
3. Donor Stewardship & Communication:
   Partner with the Stewardship team to ensure donors receive timely, personalized updates on the impact of their gifts, as well as developments at the University, particularly in their areas of interest. Cultivate ongoing relationships with donors throughout their lifecycle, providing a seamless experience that encourages continued involvement and long-term engagement.

Required Skills

1. 5+ years of directly related experience, which could include sales and business development in a complex organization, and preferably including at least three years in advancement.
2. Outstanding track record of building and developing customer relationships.
3. Strong understanding of development and philanthropy. Experience in dealing with major gift prospects preferred.
4. Effective experience in enlisting and interacting with senior level leadership volunteers and committees, both internally and externally.
5. Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
6. Understanding of the University culture and process for decision making and program development required.
7. Comfort level working in a team-oriented environment required, but also must be results oriented and a self-starter.
8. Ability and willingness to travel required.

But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

1. Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member’s contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
2. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
3. Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
4. Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
5. Continuous growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
6. Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.

If this resonates with you and you want to help us in our ambitious next campaign—and maybe do some of your best work as an advancement professional— we encourage you to apply. If you are hesitant to apply because you have not previously performed every responsibility listed in the description, but you do possess transferable skills and the defined qualifications, we still want to hear from you and welcome your application as well.

To learn more about Development & Alumni Relations at Boston University, and other job opportunities, please stop by the DAR Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/dar-talent/.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive 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. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.