Major Gift Officer, Athletics Major Gifts
$86,050–$114,750 year
On-siteBoston, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Manage a portfolio of 80-100 major gift prospects and donors to secure commitments of $250,000 and above for Boston University Athletics priorities including scholarships, facilities, and endowed coaching positions. Execute the full major gift cycle—identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—by developing individualized engagement strategies and collaborating with athletics leadership, coaches, and key stakeholders. Represent Athletics Advancement at signature donor events such as the Head of the Charles, Beanpot, and NCAA postseason tournaments while supporting team-specific reunions and game-day hospitality. Partner with the stewardship team to ensure donors receive timely, personalized recognition and meaningful impact reports. Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends are required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Three to five years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, advancement, business development, sales, or relationship management within a complex organization
- Demonstrated ability to build, cultivate, and sustain strong relationships with donors, clients, or other key stakeholders
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions that support departmental and organizational objectives
- Experience planning and coordinating complex projects or initiatives while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple functions
- Ability to influence and coordinate the work of others through collaboration and partnership, including participating in hiring processes and planning work activities as needed
- Experience monitoring budgets, reconciling expenses, or managing financial resources in support of departmental goals
- Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends in support of donor meetings and University events
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Experience in higher education advancement, collegiate athletics fundraising, or a similar mission-driven organization
- Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and successfully developing and executing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
- Knowledge of philanthropic principles, major gift fundraising, and planned giving opportunities
- Experience partnering with senior leaders, coaches, volunteers, faculty, or other high-level stakeholders to advance organizational priorities
- Familiarity with Boston University, NCAA Division I athletics, or a comparable complex academic institution
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