Address
Form of workOur 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.Where it’s not just about a job, but a career and a community.
Now, our Special Initiativesteam is looking for a Gift Officer who will discover, contact, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors.
Special Initiatives at Boston University
Special Initiatives (SI) is focused on securing leading philanthropic gifts in support of select University priorities, including the Center for Antiracist Research (CAR), Computing and Data Sciences (CDS), the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy & Research (CEID), the Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE), and the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory (NEIDL).This team works in close coordination/collaboration with Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) colleagues, center directors, the Associate Provost for the Faculty for Computing & Data Sciences, and affiliated faculty.
Special Initiatives Gift Officer
The Special Initiatives Gift Officer will report to the Associate Vice President, Special Initiatives and assist with the fundraising initiatives assigned to the office, including but not limited tothe Center for Antiracist Research (CAR), the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences, the Institute for Global Sustainability, and Innovate@BU. This position requires an entrepreneurial fundraiser able to leverage digital tools and interpersonal skills to build highly personalized relationships with existing donors and new prospects they identify. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience and develop skills as a frontline fundraiser while learningmany aspects of advancement, including prospect management, stewardship, events, and partnerships.
Responsibilities:
- Secure major gifts for university initiatives through the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors
- Collaborate with BU DAR colleagues, including in Principal and Major Gifts, Annual Giving, and Alumni Relations, as well as faculty, administrators, volunteers and friends as appropriate
- Plan and participate in events
- Oversee special projects as assigned by the Directors, Special Initiatives, and the Associate Vice President, Special Initiatives
A cover letter is required for consideration.
- Bachelor’s degree required with five years of experience.
- Excellent written and oral business communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build relationships in a highly collaborative environment.
- Must be able to “manage up” working directly with University leaders; engage laterally by building relationships of trust and mutual value added with colleagues across campus; and manage “down” ensuring the support and cooperation of staff both within and outside of Development.
- Ability to work well on a team; flexibility to take on challenges in mid-stream; ability to delegate when appropriate.
- Capacity to think strategically and creatively is necessary. This involves the ability to inquire about and listen to a prospect's needs, and then to understand and determine how to best develop a successful strategy for engagement.
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.
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 and the defined qualifications, we still want to hear from you and welcome your application as well.
To learn more about Development & Alumni Relations at Boston University, and other job opportunities, please stop by the DAR 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, 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 a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.
Job LocationBOSTON, Massachusetts, United StatesPosition TypeFull-Time/Regular
