Assistant Director, Major Gifts

Assistant Director of Major Gifts

About the opportunity:
The Assistant Director of Major Gifts (ADMG) is a regionally focused major gift officer within the One Northeastern development structure. They partner with content specialists across the global university system to solicit major gifts in the $100K‑$1M+ range.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Major Gifts, the ADMG collaborates with Advancement colleagues, faculty and staff across Northeastern's global university system to discover, identify, and build relationships with prospective donors—developing strategies for their cultivation and soliciting gifts. The ADMG works with the Sr. Director to execute an interdisciplinary major gifts fundraising program for alumni, parents, and friends within one or more defined geographic regions.

They maintain a portfolio of over 120 prospects with significant major‑gift potential and meet annual fundraising and activity metrics. The ADMG must be an excellent communicator, building relationships with external constituents and internal partners, moving prospects through the engagement process, and engaging faculty and leaders strategically. Regular travel to the assigned region is required.

This position is Boston‑based and is not available for remote work.

Active contributor to major gifts fundraising effort for the global university.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parent, and friend relationships.
• Strategize with faculty and other colleagues on next steps with prospects.
• Travel to assigned region(s) as needed to build relationships with volunteers, prospects, and donors.
• Solicit gifts in the $100K‑$1M+ range.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Major Gifts, advancement leadership, and other advancement teams to develop interdisciplinary strategies for donors.
• Advise faculty, fundraising colleagues, and administrators on alumni and parent interest areas.

Building Prospect Portfolio and Pipeline

• Discover new prospects and build a pipeline to feed major‑gift level gifts.
• Work closely with the Sr. Director of Major Gifts to develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 120 prospects within a defined region.
• Maintain activity metrics (visits, video meetings, calls, proposals, etc.) as assigned.
• Engage faculty strategically with prospects and keep leadership apprised of opportunities and trends.
• Serve as conduit for information between Northeastern and constituents.
• Travel as needed to support prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Maintain Prospect Portfolio

• Maintain high‑quality development process for active prospects and donors.
• Create call reports and maintain database system.
• Maintain data integrity using Development Office systems (Ascend).
• Prepare regular progress reports for the Sr. Director and advancement leadership.
• Ensure proper recognition of donors across Advancement processes.

• 3–5 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years of demonstrated success in soliciting and closing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts for a nonprofit.
• Experience cultivating and soliciting alumni, parents, and friends, maintaining positive donor relationships.
• Superior communication skills; highly collaborative and entrepreneurial, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of the Northeastern University Advancement team.
• Data‑ and metric‑driven mindset.
• Understanding and appreciation of Northeastern University's mission.
• Willingness for overnight travel and occasional evening or weekend work.
• BA/BS degree required.

The College of Science maintains a strong culture of collaboration; successful candidates will demonstrate respect for colleagues and focus on shared goals.

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness and life, retirement, and commuting and transportation.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.