Boston University

Director, Major Gifts, New England Region
Location: Boston, MA

Boston University (BU) seeks a collaborative and entrepreneurial Director of Major Gifts (Director) to lead fundraising efforts in the New England region, an area home to the largest percentage of the University’s alumni and an abundant number of engaged and committed families and friends. Overseeing a team of two major gift fundraisers and personally managing a portfolio of prospects and donors, the Director will play a key leadership role at an exciting time of growth and momentum toward an ambitious multi-billion-dollar campaign.

BU has charted a stellar ascent in recent years. Now ranked #41 by U.S. News and World Report, the University comprises 17 Schools and Colleges, including highly ranked graduate schools such as the School of Law, School of Business, School of Education, and College of Engineering. Founded in 1839, BU has always been a hub for innovation. As one of the largest independent nonprofit universities in the country, it was the first university to open all divisions to female students in 1872. BU created one of the first study abroad programs, and, today, about one third of the University’s 36,809 students come from countries outside the United States. This diversity is one of the greatest institutional strengths of the University, underpinned by the University’s commitment to making BU affordable for all qualified students through initiatives like the Century Challenge. This unique philanthropic tool greatly increases scholarship support and provides access to the best and brightest students from around the world. By participating in the Century Challenge, a donor establishes an endowed scholarship fund of $100,000 or more, and the University matches the income distributed from that fund for scholarship purposes for 100 years.

Access and affordability are among the visionary initiatives outlined in the new Strategic Plan for 2030, which will form the foundation for an upcoming comprehensive campaign. The five guiding university priorities are: ensuring a vibrant academic experience; diversity, equity, and inclusion; producing research that matters; creating community, big yet small; and fostering global engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enterprising leader in major gift fundraising to join an institution at the outset of a campaign that will propel ever-more ambitious achievement. In partnership with the Assistant Vice President of Major Gifts, the Director will be responsible for leading a donor-centric regional fundraising program. This position functions as a thought leader of the major gifts fundraising effort for the University and provides oversight, direction, and advice for the New England region. Leading by example, the Director will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of eight years of development experience, a keen understanding of best practices in fundraising, experience managing a team, and a demonstrated record of accomplishment in developing successful fundraising strategies in a complex university. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of personally identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major and principal gifts. The next Director should have a collegial, team-building style with a demonstrated ability to cultivate productive, collaborative relationships with faculty and staff across the University. The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader and an effective advocate with all constituents. In accordance with its core values and mission, BU is especially interested in recruiting members of diverse communities and individuals with a commitment to multiculturalism.

Application Instructions

Boston University has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please contact President Tracy D. Welsh and Senior Associate Rachel K. Partin to share your resume and cover letter via email at: bu-dmgne@talentcitizen.com.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. BU is 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 617-353-6474 or druckman@bu.edu.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty, will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the Back2BU site.

The Talent Citizen Search Team

Tracy D. Welsh

President | She/Her
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Rachel K. Partin

Managing Associate | She/Her
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Alicia Paquette

Search Coordinator | She/Her
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