SENIOR MAJOR GIFT OFFICER PARENT FAMILY PHILANTHROPY Development Alumni Relations

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Major Gift Officer to join their Major Gifts team. This pivotal role involves collaborating across departments to secure major and principal gifts, building a strong donor pipeline, and engaging with the parent community. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 8 years of relevant fundraising experience and a proven track record in securing significant gifts. If you're passionate about philanthropy and eager to contribute to meaningful campaigns, this opportunity offers a chance to make a real impact while fostering an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant fundraising or related experience.
• Proven success in securing five and six-figure gifts.

Responsibilities

• Engage prospects and volunteers to cultivate the parent community.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to align philanthropic efforts.

Skills

Fundraising Experience

Communication Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM Systems

Job description

Our Mission

We at Boston University Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) harness philanthropy to make excellent education accessible and welcoming to all, and to advance BU’s leadership in research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice. We are building a team of mission-driven advancement professionals committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone belongs, emphasizing careers and community.

Our Major Gifts team is seeking a Senior Major Gift Officer to collaborate across departments—including Major Gifts, Special Initiatives, Principal Gifts, Athletics, Dean of Students Office, University Centers, and Schools and Colleges—to build community, secure major and principal gifts, and develop a donor pipeline.

Major Gifts at Boston University

The Major Gifts (MG) team is regionally based, covering six domestic regions, and focuses on discovering, qualifying, soliciting, and closing gifts over $100K.

Senior Major Gift Officer

Working with the Director, the SMGO will set regional and portfolio growth goals aligned with university priorities. The role involves engaging prospects and volunteers, cultivating the parent community, and expanding the Parents Leadership Council (PLC). It requires collaboration with faculty and staff to align philanthropic efforts with institutional priorities and demonstrate impact.

The SMGO will maintain relationships across Advancement and the broader BU community, leveraging data to identify and solicit major and principal gifts. Domestic travel to key markets is required.

The role demands a deep understanding of donor engagement processes and experience working with faculty, leadership, and campus partners. The SMGO will also handle special projects assigned by the Director of Parent and Family Philanthropy.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant fundraising or related experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Proven success in securing five and six-figure gifts
• Experience managing a major gift portfolio
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, presentation)
• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and prioritization skills
• Interpersonal, analytical, and project management skills
• Collaborative approach to work
• Strong organizational skills and multitasking ability
• Ability to travel monthly, including nights and weekends
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems

Our Values

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect – because contributions from all are valued and leadership can come from anywhere.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion – committed to belonging for everyone.
• Integrity – in our work and interactions.
• Strategic thinking and curiosity – in pursuing innovative approaches and measurable results.
• Continuous growth and improvement – personally and as a team.
• Joy and shared appreciation – for working toward meaningful goals.

If this resonates with you and you’re eager to contribute to our next campaign and your professional growth, we encourage you to apply. We welcome applicants who may not meet every listed responsibility but possess transferable skills and qualifications.

Learn more about DAR and job opportunities at https://www.bu.edu/dar-talent/.

_We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy, parental or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor._