Managing Director, Principal Gifts & External Engagement, Principal Gifts, Advancement

Lead the preparation of inspiring and compelling proposals for high-stakes solicitations and secure major gifts (lead gifts, seven-figure+ or institutionally defined campaign-level gifts) in alignment with institutional priorities. Leverage personal network as well as partner with prospect research to build and manage an active portfolio of 60–80 prospective principal gift donors (mix of mid-to high-capacity prospects), tailored toward campaign lead gift potential.

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 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. 

Managing Director – Principal Gifts and External Engagement (MD) 

Reporting to the Vice President for Principal Gift, International and Foundation Advancement, the Managing Director for Principal Gifts and External Engagement (MD) will be an experienced fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of high net worth prospects 
and donors. Their fundraising activities will be focused on highly rated individual prospects including alumni nation-wide and internationally as necessary. The MD will work collaboratively with the Foundation Relations and International Engagement teams to advance relationships they identify and 
build with institutional representatives (Foundations) and international prospects. The MD’s advancement activities will ultimately be geared toward building and managing a high-potential, nine figure pipeline that will produce lead/campaign-level gifts and establish long-term philanthropic relationships that advance institutional priorities. 

In addition, in their External Engagement role, the MD will serve as Boston University’s representative advancing the University’s engagement with academic and industry partners. They will partner with Alumni Relations, Communications and Engagement (ARCE) to facilitate alumni activation in one of the 
world’s most innovative ecosystems, The MD will partner with the Schools and Centers teams to serve as a strategic connector and regional convener by aligning BU’s faculty with New England institutions, industry partners. The MD will build strong partnerships and develop effective strategies to transition 
management of partnerships (institutional, corporate, etc.) to various offices across BU when appropriate.  

This role builds upon Boston University’s concept for a global engagement network and will operate as an agile, regionally anchored “embassy” of Boston by coordinating cross-institutional activities and stewarding strategic opportunities. The MD will work collaboratively across advancement, offices outside advancement as appropriate, and institutional leadership to accomplish this. 

The ideal candidate will be a senior-level relationship builder with credibility in building high-net worth pipeline for philanthropy with demonstrated experience cultivating high-net-worth prospects including individuals, foundations and corporate partners. They will have a strong understanding of technology, AI, 
venture ecosystems, cross-sector innovation and ability to operate independently while being highly collaborative and aligned with university priorities and strategies. They will be a skilled convener who can translate institutional strategy into fundraising and regional engagement momentum. 

Core Responsibilities 

Pipeline Building and Fundraising

This role centers on the three areas below, with evolving emphasis over time. 

 

• Prospect Identification & Qualification (15%) 

• • Leverage personal network as well as partner with prospect research to build and manage an active portfolio of 60–80 prospective principal gift donors (mix of mid-to high-capacity prospects), tailored toward campaign lead gift potential. Prospects might include individuals, parents, friends of BU and Foundations.
  • Leverage university networks, volunteers, alumni leaders, faculty, and senior leadership to build a robust network of prospects.
  • Create a strategy to continuously replenish and grow the pipeline of prospective lead gift donors for larger campaign initiatives by regularly qualifying new prospects through research, referrals, and engagement activities.
  • Where appropriate, transition management of foundations and individuals (including major gift and international prospects etc) to advancement colleagues.  

 

• Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship (50%)

• • In partnership with advancement leadership, develop innovative and compelling cultivation strategies to deepen donor engagement with institutional priorities, using visits, events, stewardship activities, and volunteer involvement. 
  • Lead the preparation of inspiring and compelling proposals for high-stakes solicitations and secure major gifts (lead gifts, seven-figure+ or institutionally defined campaign-level gifts) in alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Coordinate with senior leadership and volunteer solicitors to close transformational gifts when appropriate.
  • Work with gift planning, legal, financial, and program staff to structure major gifts, naming opportunities, and complex vehicles and coordinate with the stewardship team to develop bespoke stewardship opportunities to recognize these gifts.

 

• Collaboration, Metrics & Reporting (10%) 

• • Develop strategies for collaboration with advancement colleagues including Foundation Relations, Major Gifts, Parent and Family Advancement, International Advancement, Schools and Centers teams among others to keep engage them from strategy development and implementation to stewardship.  
  • Maintain accurate prospect and activity records in the CRM and ensure open channels of communication with advancement colleagues.
  • Meet and report on performance metrics including pipeline value, solicitations completed, gifts closed, and stewardship outcomes. 

 

Alumni Activation (5%)

• Work collaboratively with ARCE to deepen engagement with New England alumni as ambassadors, connectors, in-kind contributors, and potential philanthropic leaders.
• Host high-visibility convenings in collaboration with ARCE (salons, executive roundtables, thought-leadership events) that elevate BU’s regional/global reputation and catalyze giving. 

 

External Engagement (20%)

• Regional Strategy & Representation  
  • Serve as BU’s senior in-region ambassador to industry local government stakeholders and thought leaders
  • In collaboration with School and Centers advancement teams, serve as regional coordinator and connector for BU faculty and cross-functional administrators; develop strategic engagement opportunities for BU faculty to increase visibility and thought 
    leadership.  
  • Connect visiting faculty and leaders with relevant industry partners, alumni, and other stakeholders.
  • Provide light-touch logistical and relationship support to faculty through partnership intelligence, cultivated introductions, support for high-priority meetings, and coordination with campus-based teams on logistics.
  • Identify high-impact partnership opportunities in technology, AI, biotech, media, venture capital, and creative industries.

 

Industry & Innovation Partnerships

• Develop strategic relationships with leading firms (e.g., technology, AI, media, life sciences) to advance:
  • Faculty research collaborations.
  • Sponsored research and industry-funded initiatives.
  • Executive education and workforce development programs.
  • Student internships and career pipelines.
• Coordinate closely with the Office of the Senior Vice President for External Engagement and other offices within BU including Industry Engagement, Career Development, Research Development, and school-based leadership to support alignment and execution and facilitate warm handoff when appropriate.

 

Career Development & Student Recruitment 

• Facilitate relationships that will lead to expanded high-quality internship, experiential learning, practicum education, and career pathways in high-growth sectors.
• Leverage location connections to help position BU as a preferred talent partner to key partners in the New England ecosystem, preferably coupled with other facets of partnership (e.g., sponsored projects, gifts).
• Support strategic recruitment initiatives for undergraduate and graduate programs in collaboration with Enrollment teams. 

 

 

Required Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 8–10+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with a consistent track record of soliciting and closing major gifts (including multi-million-dollar/lead gifts preferred).
• Demonstrated success building and managing a portfolio and pipeline that led to campaign-level commitments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, volunteers, and institutional leaders.
• Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel frequently for prospect visits and events; flexible work hours based on donor engagement needs.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRMs and ability to use data to inform strategy. 

 

Preferred Experience 

• Experience in higher education or large nonprofits running comprehensive campaigns.
• Familiarity with gift vehicles such as endowments, pledges, charitable trusts, and complex naming opportunities.
• Track record of working with volunteer leaders and integrating senior leadership into solicitation strategies.
• Network in relevant donor communities or regions valuable to the institution. 

 

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: https://www.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 in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.

Required Experience