Senior Major Gift Officer, College of Communication, Advancement

Our Mission

We in Boston University Advancement harness 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. Where it’s not just about a job, but a career and a community.

Now, our Schools-based development team is looking for a Sr. Major Gift Officer who will advance a wide range of fund-raising priorities for the College of Communication.

College of Communication at Boston University

Established in 1947, the College of Communication (COM) at Boston University is a large college department specializing in Journalism, Film & Television, and Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations. COM’s student population exceeds 2,000 annually, including undergraduates, graduate, and PhD’s. The College integrates a strong liberal arts core with a heavy focus on preparing students for careers as communication professionals. Our faculty is a blend of traditional academics and widely experienced professionals. Located in the “hub of education” and a major media market, Boston University’s College of Communication offers students, faculty, and staff wealth of opportunities for collaborative efforts in academic and professional spheres.

Senior Major Gift Officer

The Senior Major Gift Officer (Sr. MGO) at the College of Communication collaborates with colleagues across Advancement and the University—including Major Gifts, Special Initiatives, Principal Gifts, Athletics, Dean of Students Office, University Centers, and other Schools and Colleges. This role requires a deep understanding of donor engagement, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, as well as experience working with faculty, senior leadership, and strategic campus partners. The Sr. MGO will also manage special projects as assigned by the Dean of the College and Director of Development for the College of Communication.

In partnership with the College Dean and Director of Development, the Sr. MGO will set annual and long-term goals for portfolio and donor growth aligned with College and University priorities. The Sr. MGO will engage high-level prospects and volunteers to cultivate the COM community, including alumni, parents, and friends. This position collaborates with faculty and staff to understand institutional priorities and demonstrate how philanthropic support impacts students and the BU community.

The Sr. MGO will maintain strong working relationships across Advancement and the greater BU community, and leverage data to identify, qualify, and solicit major and principal gifts. This role will require domestic travel to major and secondary markets.

Position Responsibilities:

Prospect Identification, Cultivation, and Solicitation 65%

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 80+ major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends of the College of Communication primarily in Metro NYC and New England.
• Cultivate and solicit major gifts ($100K+) and principal gift prospects ($5M+).
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for the Advancement and Prospect Research to build a prospect portfolio of rated prospects aligned with College and University priorities.
• Develop solicitation strategies in collaboration with COM faculty, senior leadership, and campus partners.
• Prepare written proposals, gift agreements, and other materials for solicitations.
• Work with Planned Giving and Foundation Relations to develop strategies for soliciting individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Work with regionally colleagues in Major and Principal Gifts.
• Collaborate with events teams and volunteers to organize regional events and build a culture of philanthropy among COM constituents.

Program Management and Planning 20%

• Set long-term goals aligned with College and University priorities.
• Help lead the creation of yearly strategic fundraising plan for the College of Communication.
• Create and execute thoughtful cultivation and stewardship plans for prospects within the portfolio.
• Build strong relationships with COM faculty, administrators, and colleagues to develop compelling cases for support.
• Assist in creating and revising annual operating plans and budgets to achieve goals.
• Conduct an annual review of fundraising strategies and adjust as necessary.

Stewardship and Donor Relations 10%

• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Advancement to create and implement stewardship programs for major donors.
• Regularly update donors on the impact of their gifts and any changes at the College or University.

Special Projects 5%

• Manage special projects as assigned by the Dean and Assistant Dean for Advancement

Required Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, alumni relations, or a related field, including at least four years of direct experience soliciting six-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts, including six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Proven experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, including developing and executing strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
• Strong understanding of the full fundraising cycle, including prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities and organizational goals.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, volunteers, alumni, and donors.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to develop compelling proposals, cases for support, and solicitation strategies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to interpret prospect data, establish priorities, and manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to travel regularly, including overnight travel and occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Additional Requirements

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education or academic advancement environment, preferably within a large, complex university.
• Experience building or expanding a major gift portfolio, including identifying and qualifying new prospects in an emerging or developing fundraising program.
• Experience working within a comprehensive or capital campaign environment.

But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect , because we value every member’s contribution 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: .

We recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking, and we're 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, protective, or culturally significant hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at View phone number on jobs.silkroad.com.