Major Gift Officer, Athletics Major Gifts

Boston University Advancement

Boston University Advancement is at a pivotal moment guided by new leadership and a clear strategic framework for growth and impact. Our work is organized around three core priorities: securing $500 million in philanthropy annually; deepening relationships with a strategically defined segment of alumni and donors; and strengthening the organizational foundation while launching focused priority areas across the University.

Advancement is evolving into a highly collaborative matrixed model that integrates new University leadership regional engagement and the distinctive strengths of BUs schools and colleges. With more than 250 advancement professionals the organization is building the capacity partnerships and culture required to deliver sustained philanthropic momentum and institutional impact.

Major Gift Officer Athletic Advancement

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) Athletics serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for building managing and advancing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects in support of Boston University Athletics. Working closely with the Managing Director Athletics Advancement and the Associate Director Athletics Initiatives the MGO will execute all phases of the major gift cycleidentification qualification cultivation solicitation and stewardshipwith a focus on securing commitments of $250000 and above for a wide range of Athletics priorities.

This role requires a disciplined strategic approach to portfolio management including the development of individualized engagement strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities. The MGO will collaborate across Advancement and with Athletics leadership to identify and present compelling giving opportunities that resonate with prospective donors while consistently driving prospect movement and pipeline growth.

The ideal candidate brings at least three to five years of relevant experience in fundraising business development sales or relationship management within a complex organization with advancement experience preferred. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to build authentic long-term relationships execute thoughtful solicitation strategies and secure major gifts that advance the mission and competitive excellence of Boston University Athletics.

A bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required along with the ability and willingness to travel.

Position Responsibilities

Prospect Qualification Cultivation and Solicitation (75%)

Manage a portfolio of 80-100 major gift prospects and donors in support of Boston University Athletics with a focus on securing commitments of $250000 and above for strategic priorities including scholarships student-athlete experience facilities endowed coaching positions and other Athletics initiatives.

In partnership with annual giving colleagues and the Associate Director for Athletics Initiatives identify and qualify new prospects while deepening engagement with existing major donors across the athletics community.

Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies in close collaboration with the Managing Director of Athletics Advancement athletics leadership coaches and key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective donor approach. Build authentic long-term relationships that move prospects through the full engagement cycle of cultivation solicitation and stewardship. Work with leadership to establish clear pathways timelines and strategies for successful solicitations including appropriate use of planned giving opportunities.

Strategic Engagement and Event Support (15%)

Represent Athletics Advancement at key donor engagement and cultivation events designed to strengthen relationships and identify new philanthropic opportunities. Attend staff and support signature events including the Athletics Leaders Celebration Alumni Weekend Head of the Charles Red Hot Hockey Beanpot NCAA postseason events including Final Four and Frozen Four as applicable Athletics Advisory Council meetings and other strategic Athletics and University events.

Support team-specific reunions alumni gatherings game-day hospitality regional events and donor receptions leveraging these experiences to deepen constituent engagement and advance fundraising objectives.

Donor Stewardship and Communication (10%)

Partner with the Stewardship team to ensure donors in portfolio receive timely personalized recognition and meaningful reports demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy. Maintain ongoing communication with donors by sharing institutional and Athletics updates aligned with their interests fostering lifelong engagement and continued investment in Boston University Athletics. Collaborate across Advancement to deliver an exceptional donor experience that reflects the Universitys commitment to relationship-based philanthropy and long-term partnership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• There to five years of relevant professional experience in fundraising advancement business development sales or relationship management within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to build cultivate and sustain strong relationships with donors clients or other key stakeholders.
• Excellent written verbal presentation and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work independently exercise sound judgment and make decisions that support departmental and organizational objectives.
• Experience planning and coordinating complex projects or initiatives while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Ability to influence and coordinate the work of others through collaboration and partnership including participating in hiring processes and planning work activities as needed.
• Experience monitoring budgets reconciling expenses or managing financial resources in support of departmental goals.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends in support of donor meetings and University events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree
• Experience in higher education advancement collegiate athletics fundraising or a similar mission-driven organization.
• Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and successfully developing and executing cultivation solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Knowledge of philanthropic principles major gift fundraising and planned giving opportunities.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders coaches volunteers faculty or other high-level stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
• Familiarity with Boston University NCAA Division I athletics or a comparable complex academic institution.

But thats not all were looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

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

To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University and other job opportunities please stop by the Advancement Talent website: recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If youre excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team we encourage you to apply even if your background doesnt align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives experiences and ways of thinking and were committed to building a team where everyone can thrive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color natural protective or culturally significant hairstyle religion sex age national origin physical or mental disability sexual orientation gender identity genetic information military service pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or marital parental or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at .