SENIOR DIRECTOR, WEST COAST & MIDWEST REGIONS, MAJOR GIFTS, Development & Alumni RelationsJob LocationBOSTON, MA, United States
Tracking Code24500534731128
Posted Date12/3/2024
Salary GradeGrade 53
Position TypeFull-Time/Regular
Our Mission We in Boston University Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) 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.
Now, our Major Gifts team is looking for a Senior Director for the West Coast & Midwest regions who will lead a team of fundraisers charged with securing commitments of $100K+ for the University's strategic priorities.
Major Gifts at Boston University The Major Gifts (MG) team is a regionally based team that covers six regions domestically and is not affiliated with any particular school or college. The MG team focuses on the discovery, qualification, solicitation, and close of major gifts ($100K+).
Senior Director, West Coast & Midwest Regions Reporting to the Asst. VP of Major Gifts, the Senior Director is a key leader in a region that is critical to Boston University's overall fundraising success. In addition to leading a team of fundraisers, the Senior Director must collaborate with and convene other Development & Alumni Relations stakeholders in the region to ensure a coordinated and thoughtful approach to all activities meant to engage BU's leading prospects and donors.
The Senior 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. This role will serve as the primary strategist and staff person for the Southern and Northern California Regional Leadership Councils. The Senior Director will also be responsible for setting appropriately ambitious goals for prospect discovery, solicitations, and gift closures for members of their team and managing each to success against those goals.
Additionally, the Senior Director carries a portfolio of approximately 80 major gift prospects of their own. This position will oversee various special projects in the region as assigned by the Assistant Vice President.
Responsibilities: Direct solicitation of major gifts at the $100,000 plus level, involving all phases of engagement and cultivation processes, involving significant travel. Targeted goal of 12-15 visits a month and annual dollar goal as determined by Assistant Vice President.Direct management of team member(s) to ensure significant fundraising productivity in service to the University's strategic goals.Establish and maintain Regional Leadership Council and other effective, high-level volunteer structures designed to provide counsel, identify prospects, and assist with specific solicitations and other programmatic initiatives as necessary.Collaborate with Development & Alumni Relations colleagues to devise specific strategies and timetables for the successful solicitation of individuals with a goal of maximizing their philanthropy to Boston University.Coordinate and orchestrate prospect strategies with the appropriate deans and school-affiliated development officers.Establish long-range goals and objectives for development programs and activities in the assigned region that reflect University priorities.Prepare regional operating plan and prospect pipeline designed to facilitate achievement of these goals and objectives.Required SkillsA cover letter is required for consideration.Bachelor's degree, advanced degree preferred8+ years of directly related experience with 5+ years of management experienceOutstanding and successful experience as a fundraiser, including comprehensive management of major gifts prospectsStrong development credentials; including proven track record of building and developing a high-level portfolioSuccessful track record of managing a fundraising teamEffective experience in enlisting and interacting with senior level leadership volunteers and committeesExcellent written and oral communication and presentation skillsSuperb judgment and the sensibility to adjudicate wisely among competing prioritiesA disposition to listen and circulate widelyExceptional reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills, including an ability to translate ideas and concepts into clear, actionable stepsSuperb organizational skills and the ability to multi-taskAbility to work independently as well collaboratively with team membersEnergy and stamina, self-confidence and humility, a strong sense of purpose, a tolerance for ambiguity and a sense of humorFamiliarity with the West Coast preferred, ideally as a successful major gifts fundraiserExtensive travel, nights and weekends required.But that's not all we're looking for; we want someone who embodies our values: Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect.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.If this resonates with you and you want to help us in our ambitious next campaign—and maybe do some of your best work as an advancement professional— we encourage you to apply. If you are hesitant to apply because you have not previously performed every responsibility listed in the description, but you do possess transferable skills, our values, and the defined qualifications, we still want to hear from you and welcome your application as well.
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