SENIOR MAJOR GIFT OFFICER, Special Initiatives

$100,000 - $100,000/Yr

Boston University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Senior

Boston, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Major Gift Officer for Special Initiatives at Boston University is responsible for managing the donor giving journey, focusing on securing major philanthropic gifts to support key university priorities. This role involves developing donor pipelines, collaborating with various stakeholders, and actively soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above. The position requires a strategic approach to fundraising, with an emphasis on building relationships and maximizing donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Maintain active awareness of individuals in the prospect pipeline at various stages of identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Focus on direct solicitation of major gifts at the $100,000+ level and leadership annual gifts of $10,000+.
• Develop donor pipelines for all initiatives supported by the Special Initiatives team and become the lead fundraiser for one or two initiatives.
• Partner with regional major gift officers to facilitate fundraising efforts in the Midwest region.
• Manage and actively advise donors through the gift cycle with a targeted goal of 10-12 substantive interactions per month.
• Collaborate with Development & Alumni Relations colleagues to devise specific strategies and timetables for successful solicitation of individuals.
• Coordinate and orchestrate prospect strategies with appropriate School and University leadership.
• Customize and implement appropriate stewardship programs to assure regular contact with donors.
• Develop expertise on assigned Special Initiatives priorities and serve as an advancement liaison to these areas.
• Partner with the Associate Vice President and Directors of Special Initiatives on various projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of eight years of directly related experience, which could include sales and business development in a complex organization.
• Outstanding track record of building and developing customer relationships.
• Strong understanding of development and philanthropy, with experience in dealing with major gift prospects.
• Effective experience in enlisting and interacting with senior level leadership volunteers and committees.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of the University culture and process for decision making and program development.
• Comfort level working in a team-oriented environment, while also being results-oriented and a self-starter.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in higher education fundraising.
• Familiarity with Boston University's mission and values.

Benefits

• Open salary based on experience and qualifications.