Major Gift Officer, Athletics Major Gifts

Category Job Location Tracking Code

8/3/2026

Grade 49

$86,050.00

$

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Full-Time/Regular

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 BU’s 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 cycle—identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with a focus on securing commitments of $250,000 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.

A bachelor's 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 $250,000 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…