ASSOCIATE VP, MAJOR GIFTS - METRO NY, Advancement

Job Description

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 is organized around three core priorities: securing $500 million in philanthropic support 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.

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Regional Major Gifts/Metro NYC provides strategic leadership for the University's major giving program, overseeing a cohort of fundraisers focused on securing gifts of $250,000 and above from alumni, parents, and friends of Boston University. The AVP is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive major gifts strategy that both sustains funding for institutional priorities and builds a robust pipeline for future principal gifts.


The incumbent will design and lead a high-performing program that maximizes philanthropic revenue in support of BUs strategic priorities, with particular emphasis on the recruitment and retention of exceptional gift officers, as well as their ongoing training, coaching, and professional development. Through strong management and clear accountability structures, the AVP ensures consistent progress against ambitious fundraising goals.

A central responsibility of the role is the development and implementation of a regionally based fundraising model that enhances Boston University's visibility, relevance, and philanthropic success in key domestic regions, including providing leadership to the Metro New York City region. The AVP will create and execute strategies that deepen engagement with alumni, parents, and friends capable of advancing BUs highest priorities, tailoring approaches to reflect regional dynamics and opportunities. This work includes building a sustainable pipeline of major and principal gift prospects through coordinated discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

In partnership with colleagues across Advancement, the AVP will align regional strategies with university-wide priorities and campaign planning efforts. The role also includes strengthening and expanding regional volunteer structures to enhance engagement and fundraising effectiveness, ensuring these networks are well-positioned to play a meaningful role in a comprehensive campaign.


Reporting to the Vice President for Development and campaigns, the AVP serves as a member of the Advancement Leadership Team and is expected to be a thought leader across the organization. The AVP collaborates regularly with fundraising leaders in Planned Giving, Schools & Colleges, Foundation Relations, Campaigns, and Alumni Relations to drive a cohesive and highly effective advancement program.

The AVP will be based in New York City with frequent travel to campus and key domestic regions.

The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of relevant experience, a collaborative and results-driven leadership style, and a passion for driving fundraising results within a leading global research university.


A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is strongly preferred.

Essential Functions with percentages:

• Provide strategic and professional leadership for the Regional Major Gifts team of frontline fundraisers, with responsibility for recruitment, training, supervision, performance management, and ongoing development of major gifts staff. Partner with the Vice President, Prospect Management, and Advancement colleagues to cultivate and maintain a robust, well-distributed major gift prospect pool that maximizes fundraising outcomes. Serve as a key strategist, advisor, and resource coordinator to major gift officers across advancement and support their effectiveness and success across identified regions. 30%
• Develops and executes a strategic major gifts program in the Metro NYC region while actively managing a portfolio of 4050 high-potential prospects in the region. 30%
• Partner with the Advancement leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive regional advancement strategy that strengthens collaboration between Regional Major Gifts and academic units. This strategy will align fundraising priorities across key markets and deliberately position academic leaders for success in cultivating and advancing philanthropic relationships. Coordinate and optimize the engagement of faculty, administrators, trustees, volunteers, and development staff to drive successful outcomes with prospects in identified regions. 30%
• Oversees the teams' overall operations, including budget management, resource allocation, and administrative functions, ensuring efficient processes, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with organizational priorities. 10%

Required Skills

Experience & Track Record:

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success building and managing $10M+ portfolios of major and principal gift prospects.
• Proven track record of securing $1M+ gifts and managing complex, multi-year solicitations.
• Experience leading advancement teams (preferred: 5+ staff).
• Prior experience in a comparable institutional advancement setting strongly preferred.

Leadership & Interpersonal:

• Exceptional ability to build and sustain relationships with C-suite executives, board members, and senior volunteer leaders.
• Strong partnership skills; demonstrated success collaborating across functional teams (major gifts, principal gifts, campaign and alumni relations).
• Ability to influence without direct authority; politically savvy and diplomatically skilled.
• Excellent judgment: ability to balance competing priorities and make decisions with incomplete information.

Strategic & Analytical:

• Strategic thinker who understands strategy, competitive positioning, and institutional dynamics.
• Strong analytical and financial skills; ability to assess fundraising feasibility, ROI, and pipeline health.
• Ability to develop and execute comprehensive strategies that align school and university priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.

Communication & Presence:

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills; compelling presenter.
• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences (donors, faculty, board members, senior leadership).
• Professional presence and executive bearing; comfortable in high-level settings.
• Experience representing an institution externally and building external credibility.

Personal Attributes:

• Resilience, adaptability, and comfort with ambiguity in a matrixed environment.
• Energy, self-confidence, and genuine humility.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to travel extensively (30-50% estimated); availability for evening/weekend events.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree strongly preferred.
• But that's not all were looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:
• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member 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: bu.edu/advancement-talent 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. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io

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.