Director, Foundation Relations Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

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 a job, but a career and a community.

The Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine at Boston University, with teaching affiliate Boston Medical Center, is at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of research and conducting clinical training with empathy and humanity. Our students are the world's future physicians, scientists, and healthcare providers, offering treatments, cures, and care—where it really matters. The school receives from $40-50 million annually, with one third to one half from private foundations, corporations and associations and the remainder from individuals including alumni, parents, faculty/staff, and friends. Private foundations primarily support the scientific research initiatives of our faculty researchers, with an emphasis on providing funding for our junior researchers, postdocs and PhD students

DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION RELATIONS, CHOBANIAN & AVEDISIAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Advancement, the Director of Foundation Relations is a senior member of the School of Medicine’s advancement team. Primary responsibilities include identifying and cultivating private organizational funders (foundations, associations, trusts, etc.); working collaboratively with the dean, department chairs and faculty members to develop and submit written solicitations (letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, etc.) focusing on 6- and 7-figure gifts; reporting and stewarding gifts as appropriate; and coordinating foundation fundraising with central Foundation Relations and administrative colleagues. Limited travel is required.

Responsibilities

Build and manage a portfolio of top foundation relationships for the School of Medicine. Work closely with school leaders, faculty and Advancement colleagues to implement creative cultivation and solicitation strategies. Formulate and communicate the annual foundation plan/goals/metrics with a variety of internal stakeholders.

Expand and sustain foundation relationships across the School of Medicine and pinpoint areas of synergy, including support for early career faculty, PhD students and postdocs. Alert faculty and school leaders to RFP and other opportunities to seek foundation support. Draft and manage grant applications, proposals, reports, project descriptions, etc. for the School of Medicine.

Initiate, coordinate, and participate in meetings with senior leadership, faculty and foundation partners, both in-person and over zoom.

Keep current with trends in the foundation community by using the web, e-distributions and other database listings noting grant opportunities.

The start date for this position is July 1.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule, with employees working 3 days per week in the office and 2 days remotely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred
• 8- 10 years of relevant experience
• Prior experience in fund-raising, ideally in foundation relations
• Advanced organizational, analytical, communication (verbal and written), and problem-solving skills

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. Boston University (BU) typically receives about $70 million annually from private philanthropic organizations (i.e., foundations, organizations, associations, and societies). These funds support the University’s scholarly and scientific research, educational initiatives, and community outreach. The Foundation Relations (FR) team plays a central role in soliciting these donations
• 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.

To learn more about Advancement at Boston University, and other job opportunities, please stop by the Advancement Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/dar-talent/.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.

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