Director of Development, Questrom School of Business, Advancement

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 centers on 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 BUs 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.

Director of Development

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President Questrom Advancement and working closely in support of the Dean of Questrom School of Business this role will utilize initiative self-confidence organization determination and comfort working with highly productive and collaborative teams to partner in planning and advancing a wide range of activities programs and priorities to meet Advancement University and School fundraising goals.

The Director carries a portfolio of approximately 80 (-100) major gift prospects. The Director will be responsible for developing a regular cadence of strategic opportunities focused on engaging existing and prospective major donors with the end goal of qualifying soliciting and closing major gifts.

In consultation with the Associate Vice President the Director of Development will establish long-range goals and objectives for development programs and activities that reflect academic and campaign priorities. This individual will engage high-level volunteers to link the community to development programs and assist with specific solicitations and other programmatic elements as needed; meet with faculty and staff in priority areas to learn their research interests and areas of expertise; and represent Questrom and its priorities to the broader community.

The Director will collaborate across Advancement to coordinate thoughtful engagement strategies for BUs leading Questrom prospects and donors partnering with colleagues in Principal Giving Regional Giving Annual Giving Alumni Relations and school/college teams .

The Director will build strong relationships across Questrom and Advancement; use data to identify and cultivate prospects aligned with University and school priorities; engage volunteers and donors to expand private support; and help plan and participate in major gift solicitations. This work will require travel across the U.S. particularly in New England and Metro New York where Questrom alumni are most concentrated.

Position Responsibilities

Prospect Identification Cultivation and Solicitation (65%)

• Work with the Dean Associate Vice President Advancement Questrom and other staff to create a core of prospects for major and principal gift in support of Questrom and university-wide priorities as appropriate. Monitor the progress of individual prospects as they are moved from initial contact through solicitation. Coordinate and orchestrate prospect strategies. Use/analyze available data to develop constituencies and identify prospects in relation to Questrom priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of Major and Principal gift prospects ideally in the 80-100 range consisting of 1/3 discovery; 1/3 cultivation; and 1/3 stewardship/donor relations. Travel as appropriate to cultivate and solicit gift prospects ($500K-$4.9M)
• Develop long-range comprehensive cultivation strategies and timetables taking advantage of broader cultivation opportunities when possible and creating unique cultivation activities when appropriate.
• Arrange appropriate opportunities for the Dean faculty and other Questrom administrators to meet with donors and volunteers in forums designed to engender increased interest and support.
• In consultation with Planned Giving and Corporate and Foundation Relations devise specific strategies and timetables for the successful solicitation of individuals corporations and foundations.
• Prepare or direct the preparation of written proposals gift agreements and/or other special materials for use in specific solicitations.
• Meet or exceed Advancement performance standards as defined by supervisor.

Prospect Management and Planning (25%)

• In consultation with the Associate Vice President establish long-range goals and objectives for development programs and activities that reflect Questrom funding priorities as determined by the Dean.
• Determine market feasibility for Questrom funding priorities.
• Develop Questrom giving opportunities gift proposals and appropriate case statements.
• Establish close working relationships with Questrom faculty department chairs directors and administrators; become thoroughly familiar with programs activities and research interests to develop accurate and compelling case statements gift opportunities and appropriate linkages with volunteers and prospective donors.
• Assist the Associate Vice President with preparing an annual operating plan designed to facilitate achievement of goals and objectives. Review and revise at appropriate intervals.
• Prepare an annual fundraising plan designed to facilitate achievement of goals and objectives with a pipeline of major planned and principal gifts plans and opportunities.
• Assist the Associate Vice President in developing annual budget request based on goals and objectives.
• With the Associate Vice President conduct an annual review of results. Determine strengths and weaknesses of team efficiency donor pipeline fundraising programs and modify plans and strategies accordingly.

Stewardship and Donor Relations (5%)

• With the Associate Vice President Sr. Associate Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations and the Assistant Vice President Donor Relations and Stewardship customize and implement systematic programming to assure regular contact with donors through annual reports and various stewardship and cultivation activities and events.
• Extend the courtesies of the University to donors and volunteers as appropriate.
• Encourage the active participation of donors and volunteers when appropriate.
• Provide vehicles for continued awareness on the part of donors of current needs and objectives in order to encourage continued giving.

Special Projects (5%)

• Special projects as assigned by the Dean Associate Vice President Vice President School Development.

Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• 12 years of directly related experience
• Outstanding and successful experience as a fundraiser including comprehensive management of major and leadership gift prospects
• Strong development credentials including a proven track record of building and developing a high-level portfolio
• Effective experience in enlisting and interacting with senior-level leadership volunteers and committees
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
• Superb judgment and the sensibility to adjudicate wisely among competing priorities
• A disposition to listen and circulate widely
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Exceptional reasoning problem-solving and analytical skills including an ability to translate ideas and concepts into clear actionable steps
• Superb organizational skills and the ability to multitask
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with team members
• Energy and stamina self-confidence and humility a strong sense of purpose a tolerance for ambiguity and a sense of humor
• Availability for extensive travel as well as evening and weekend commitments as needed.

Additional Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Comfort using data CRM systems and prospect research to inform fundraising strategy.
• Experience working with deans faculty senior administrators and high-level volunteers to advance fundraising priorities.

But thats not all were looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

• Teamwork transparency and mutual respect because we value every members contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
• 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.

To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University and other job opportunities please stop by the Advancement Talent website: recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If youre excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team we encourage you to apply even if your background doesnt align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives experiences and ways of thinking and were committed to building a team where everyone can thrive.

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.

Required Experience:

Director