MAJOR GIFT Officer, NEW England, Major Gifts New England Boston, MA

Major Gift Officer, New England

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO), New England, serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for building, managing, and advancing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects who reside primarily in New England in support of Boston University. This position is part of the Major Gifts Team, organized across five regions nationwide—New England, New York, Florida, Northern California, and Southern California—and reports to the Managing Director, New England.

With more than 400,000 alumni worldwide, New England is home to Boston University's largest concentration of alumni, parents, and friends, making this a high-impact role at the center of the University's philanthropic efforts. The MGO will lead all phases of the major gift cycle—identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—with a focus on securing commitments of $100,000 and above in support of a broad range of university priorities.

This position requires a disciplined, strategic approach to portfolio management, including developing individualized engagement strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities. The MGO will collaborate with the New England Major Gifts team, Regional Major Gifts colleagues, Advancement partners, and university leadership to identify and present compelling philanthropic opportunities while consistently advancing prospect movement and portfolio growth. Success in this role is defined by the ability to build authentic, long-term relationships, execute thoughtful solicitation strategies, and secure major gifts that advance Boston University's mission and long-term excellence.

The ideal candidate brings at least 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 requires exceptional communication and presentation skills, sound judgment, strong collaboration, and the ability to work effectively with university leaders, volunteers, and colleagues across the institution. A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required, along with the ability and willingness to travel.

Prospect Qualification, Cultivation, and Solicitation (50%)

Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends, across various stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Build and sustain authentic, long-term relationships that deepen engagement and align donor interests with Boston University's priorities. Lead the development and execution of strategic solicitation plans to secure six- and seven-figure gifts. Establish clear timelines and tailored engagement strategies for each prospect, incorporating complex and blended gift vehicles, including charitable gift annuities, trusts, and bequests, when appropriate.

Guide prospects through the decision-making process with clarity, responsiveness, and sound judgment to maximize philanthropic impact and advance the University's mission.

Pipeline Development and Cross-Unit Collaboration (20%)

Partner with Annual Giving, Principal Giving, and Advancement colleagues to strengthen the donor pipeline and support seamless movement across the giving continuum. Maintain consistent, meaningful engagement with prospects to build long-term relationships, increase readiness for solicitation, and position donors for transformational philanthropic investment.

Donor Stewardship and Communication (15%)

Partner with Stewardship and Donor Relations to ensure donors within the portfolio receive timely, personalized communications that demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy and highlight meaningful university news and developments aligned with their interests. Collaborate with schools, colleges, and administrative units to coordinate stewardship efforts and share prospect activity as donors progress through the major gift lifecycle, ensuring consistent communication, strong internal partnership, and an exceptional donor experience.

Event Strategy and…