Job Information
Boston University SENIOR DONOR ENGAGEMENT OFFICER, Development & Alumni Relations, Donor Relations in BOSTON, Massachusetts
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. Where it’s not just about a job, but a career and a community.
Now, our Stewardship and Donor Relations team is looking for a Senior Donor Engagement Officer wh o will increase systematic enhanced stewardship for principal gift prospects and donors by proactively supporting gift officers in the creation of annual and multi-year individualized stewardship plans.
Stewardship & Donor Relations at Boston University
The central Stewardship & Donor Relations team is responsible for the design and implementation of a strategic and integrated donor relations program for past and current donors to enhance their relationships with the University. Through collaboration with their Development & Alumni Relations colleagues, and various offices across the University, the team creates meaningful communications and opportunities to express Boston University’s gratitude to its constituents and demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy.
Senior Donor Engagement Officer
Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Donor Engagement & Recognition, the Senior Donor Engagement Officer is an integral and highly visible member of the University’s central Stewardship and Donor Relations (SDR) team.
In partnership with the Senior Associate Director, this position will play a key role in creating and improving the design and execution of stewardship plans that appropriately recognize and celebrate donor impact. The Senior Donor Engagement Officer will join strategic fundraising conversations with principal gifts and major gifts colleagues to understand opportunities and challenges influencing donor stewardship and ideate stewardship strategies. In collaboration with SDR team leadership, this position will facilitate the creation, update, and execution of reports intended to inform individualized stewardship plans, capture stewardship efforts, automate reminders/upcoming actions, and report out on the success of the program. As needed and as appropriate, this position will facilitate donor engagement opportunities with fund recipients.
The Senior Donor Engagement Officer will promote continuous improvement and inform strategy through the identification and implementation of best practices. This position will regularly assist the Donor Engagement & Recognition team by drafting communications and acknowledgements, and assisting in the team’s strategy around the University’s named spaces.
Responsibilities:
Work closely with Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) leadership and gift officers on the development and implementation of creative annual and multi-year individualized stewardship plans for 20 to 30 principal gift donors/prospects. Work with SDR leadership to create plan templates and collaborate with Advancement Information Strategies and DAR IT colleagues around data use and CRM tracking. Play an active role ensuring the plan touchpoints are carried out by both the development and stewardship teams as assigned. Monitor, evaluate, and demonstrate success of the program with data, metrics, and stories.
Develop reports to facilitate stewardship plan conversations and to improve identification of meaningful donor/prospect engagement opportunities. This includes but is not limited to fund anniversary reports, donor milestone birthday reports, and to identify donors approaching William Fairfield Warren Society level.
Design, write, and produce donor acknowledgement and communication pieces as needed, including but not limited to, condolence letters from senior staff, tribute reports, post event gifts, and photobooks. Assist with named building related administration, maintenance, and stewardship. Other responsibilities to support the Donor Engagement & Recognition efforts, as assigned.
Identify, manage, and generate engagement opportunities and new initiatives to enhance donor experience as need. Collaborate with DAR gift officers to plan individual donor meetings with fund recipients, coordinate video interviews with fund recipients, and coordinate with Development Communications (DevCom) colleagues around donor placement in publications.
Required Skills
A cover letter is required for consideration.
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
5 to 8 years, including a minimum of three years of experience in development, stewardship, donor relations, advancement communications, preferably in a complex institution of higher education.
Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic solutions.
Exemplary communications skills and the ability to deal effectively and professionally with a variety of persons at all levels of management within and external to a university environment.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Ability to interact with senior level administrators, donors/prospects, and colleagues with an understanding of protocol and confidentiality.
Superb judgment and the sensibility to adjudicate wisely among competing priorities.
Strong project management skills and follow through necessary to develop plans and timelines, monitor priorities, and progress against goals.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and perform multiple duties with minimal supervision, with a high degree of accuracy, keen attention to detail, and follow-through under tight deadlines.
Capacity to work in a fast-paced environment involving high-level stakeholders; ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
Extraordinary attention to detail and high level of discretion. Must be highly organized and able to manage confidential information.
Exhibit a curiosity for streamlining processes using technology to improve outcomes and accuracy.
Strong working knowledge of donor databases/CRM.
Highly proficient in relevant software, eCRM’s, operations and procedures, including University wide systems and applications (SAP).
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.
Required Experience