Associate Vice President, Technology and Computing Sciences, 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 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.

Associate Vice President, Technology and Computing Sciences Advancement

Boston University has an opportunity to bring together its strengths in engineering, computing, data science, and interdisciplinary research to address some of society’s most complex challenges. The Associate Vice President (AVP), Technology & Computing Sciences Advancement, will lead the philanthropic strategy that helps realize this vision, connecting academic ambition with transformational investment.

Reporting to the Vice President, Schools & Colleges Advancement, the AVP serves as the senior advancement leader for Boston University’s technology and computing sciences ecosystem, providing strategic direction for fundraising across Engineering, Computing & Data Science, Computational Sciences, and related interdisciplinary initiatives. The AVP will translate institutional priorities and emerging academic opportunities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that advance BU’s leadership in technology, artificial intelligence, engineering, computing, and innovation.

As a member of the Schools & Colleges Advancement senior leadership team, the AVP will partner with academic deans, faculty, University leadership, advancement colleagues, alumni, donors, and volunteer leaders to develop and execute integrated fundraising strategies that advance school-based and University-wide priorities. A central focus of the role is to catalyze interdisciplinary philanthropy by connecting expertise, resources, and relationships across schools and colleges around high impact “Big Ideas.”

The successful candidate will bring together strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and collaborative leadership to build meaningful partnerships, advance principal and transformational gifts, and strengthen the philanthropic support needed to position Boston University at the forefront of technological and scientific discovery.

Position Responsibilities

Fundraising and Principal Gift Leadership (45%)

• Lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of leadership, principal, and transformational gift prospects across the Technology & Computing Sciences portfolio, maintaining a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors.
• Develop and execute sophisticated fundraising strategies that secure significant philanthropic commitments in support of academic priorities, faculty excellence, student success, research, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Build and deepen relationships with influential alumni, technology executives, entrepreneurs, venture investors, corporate partners, foundations, and other philanthropic leaders whose interests align with BU’s strengths and ambitions.
• Translate complex academic, scientific, and technological priorities into compelling cases for support, proposals, and tailored donor engagement strategies.
• Partner with academic leaders, faculty, and advancement colleagues to advance major philanthropic opportunities and align donor interests with institutional priorities.

Strategic Portfolio Leadership and Convergence Initiatives (25%)

• Set the strategic direction for advancement across the Technology & Computing Sciences portfolio, aligning fundraising priorities with school, college, and University goals.
• Identify, develop, and advance interdisciplinary “Big Ideas” that connect Engineering, Computing & Data Science, Computational Sciences, and other academic and research units around shared opportunities for philanthropic investment.
• Partner with academic deans, faculty leaders, and University leadership to translate emerging academic priorities, research strengths, and institutional ambitions into compelling fundraising initiatives.
• Lead portfolio-level planning and prioritization, identifying opportunities to strengthen donor pipelines, advance campaign priorities, and maximize philanthropic potential across the academic ecosystem.
• Represent Technology & Computing Sciences Advancement in University-wide campaign planning, strategic discussions, and cross-school initiatives, advocating for opportunities that advance both portfolio and institutional objectives.

Advancement Leadership, Volunteer Engagement, and Partnerships (15%)

• Provide strategic oversight of integrated advancement efforts across the portfolio, including donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, annual giving, volunteer leadership, and events.
• Partner with school-based advancement teams to develop coordinated strategies that strengthen prospect pipelines, deepen constituent engagement, and advance fundraising outcomes.
• Build and strengthen advisory boards, volunteer leadership networks, and external partnerships that expand BU’s reach, influence, and philanthropic potential within the technology and innovation ecosystem.
• Guide the development of high-impact cultivation and engagement opportunities that connect donors and volunteers with faculty expertise, research breakthroughs, student experiences, and institutional priorities.
• Promote a coordinated, high-quality donor experience across schools, colleges, and advancement teams, ensuring that engagement strategies reflect shared priorities and reinforce long-term relationships.

Leadership, Staff Development, and Operations (15%)

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to advancement professionals supporting Engineering, Computing & Data Science, Computational Sciences, and related initiatives, establishing clear priorities, goals, and expectations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and fundraising excellence, strengthening coordination across school-based teams and University-wide advancement functions.
• Support staff development, strategic planning, prospect management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Vice President, Schools & Colleges Advancement on matters related to technology, computing, engineering, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate with fellow Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Deans, and other advancement leaders to advance University-wide fundraising priorities.

Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree

• 10+ years of progressively responsible advancement, fundraising, or development experience, including demonstrated success securing major, principal, or transformational philanthropic gifts.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Experience building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, institutional donors, and senior-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing, developing, and evaluating staff, with the ability to establish priorities, set performance expectations, and foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex opportunities, evaluate fundraising pipelines, and make data-informed decisions.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate compelling cases for support, develop sophisticated fundraising proposals, and communicate effectively with senior academic leaders, donors, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, build partnerships, and influence stakeholders across a complex organization.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and advance multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

Additional Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education advancement, particularly within engineering, computing, data science, technology, scientific research, or other complex academic environments.
• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic commitments for interdisciplinary research, faculty initiatives, student success, capital projects, or institutional priorities.
• Experience partnering with academic deans, faculty leaders, executive leadership, and volunteer leaders to advance fundraising and institutional goals.
• Experience leading advancement teams across multiple schools, colleges, departments, or organizational units.

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 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: .

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.