Development Associate, Strategic Program Development, Principal Gifts

Development Associate, Strategic Program Development, Principal Gifts, Advancement

Our Mission:
Boston University Advancement harnesses 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.

It is not just a job, but a career and a community.

Location:

Boston, MA. Salary: $58,000–$62,000.

The Strategic Program Development, Principal Gifts department supports the Senior Vice President of Advancement and the Vice President of Principal, International, and Foundation Advancement in determining strategy for the university’s top donors making gifts of $5M+. This role supports the team’s initiatives with exceptional technical and logistical support, providing administrative and programmatic support for two or more Principal Gift Officers and assisting in materials for Presidents’ Advancement‑related activities.

• Principal Gifts Operations:
  • Manage entry of fundraiser activity in donor database, ensuring records are kept up to date, including oversight for donor contact reports, biographical information, plans and proposals.
  • Provide administrative support for two or more principal gift officers, including assistance with scheduling, travel, expense tracking, mailings, and events.
  • Coordinate and facilitate weekly principal gift officer prospect strategy sessions.
  • Attend confidential prospect review meetings as needed and record/distribute meeting minutes.
• Presidential Advancement Support:
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Director, Strategic Program Development to prepare confidential briefing materials for presidential prospect visits, events, and travel.
  • Coordinate logistics including itineraries, event timelines, talking points, donor research profiles, transportation, lodging, and dining arrangements.
  • Maintain accurate records of presidential travel and donor engagement activities.
  • Document next steps and action items in the database and assist in monitoring progress of engagement strategies for presidential prospects.
  • Assist with mailings and other special projects involving the President's office as needed.
• Principal Gifts Stewardship:
  • Maintain the William Fairfield Warren Society membership in the BU database and coordinate the sending of materials to new members (welcome packet, brochure, donor recognition gift, etc.).
  • Generate mailing lists for William Fairfield Warren Society medaling ceremonies and provide support for that event, including tracking RSVPs and preparing the published donor roster.
  • Provide general administrative support for principal gifts stewardship projects, such as the William Fairfield Warren Society digital Insiders Report, as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1‑3 years of related experience, preferably in a complex development setting.
• Knowledge of relevant computer software including Microsoft Excel and strong familiarity with donor‑focused CRM systems.
• Extraordinary attention to detail and high level of discretion.
• Must be highly organized and able to manage confidential information; excellent project management skills and follow‑through.
• Capacity to work in a fast‑paced environment involving high‑level stakeholders; ability to multi‑task and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, both in person, on the phone, and virtually.
• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 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.