MANAGING DIRECTOR PARENT & FAMILY ADVANCEMENT, Development & Alumni Relations

Boston University Advancement 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. 

The Managing Director overseeing Parent and Family Advancement and Giving plays a critical role in developing and overseeing a comprehensive suite of parent-giving initiatives to foster meaningful relationships with families and enhance philanthropic support. The ideal candidate will be passionate about community engagement, building a strong network of parent advocates and have a proven track record of principal gift fundraising and strategy.   

Strategic Leadership & Program Vision:

• Oversee development and management of a robust parent engagement and principal gift program.
• Collaborate with senior Advancement leadership to develop long-term strategic goals for the parent and family giving program worldwide.
• Design, implement, and manage diverse parent-giving programs aligned with the 

University’s strategic goals: 

• Develop a framework for parent and family engagement beginning at enrollment and fostering lifelong involvement.
• Engage collaboratively with a wide range of university voices as a trusted resource and advisor.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement:

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with parents, family members, and prospective donors.
• Develop and implement a collaborative process across annual giving, major gifts, principal gifts, and international development to advance fundraising strategy.

Managing Director, Parent and Family:   

Advancement & Giving

• Develop and execute communication strategies that engage parents around giving opportunities and demonstrate impact.

Program Management, Assessment & Continuous Improvement:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and innovate to increase engagement and giving.
• Utilize data and insights to drive decision-making and enhance program effectiveness.
• Monitor and analyze program metrics and prepare reports on progress and outcomes.
• Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously improve programs and initiatives.

Team Leadership & Talent Development:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of professionals, fostering collaboration, creativity, accountability, and high performance.
• Provide ongoing training and support in best practices for relationship management and fundraising.
• Motivate staff to achieve optimal results in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Operational Excellence & Professional Judgment:

• Perform effectively in a deadline-driven, high-intensity environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Observe and maintain strict confidentiality of highly privileged information.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, autonomy, and professionalism while sustaining a collegial and collaborative culture.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications Required: 

• At least eight years of strong supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to motivate people toward high-quality work.
• Track record of principal gift fundraising with a focus on parent or family advancement in academic setting.
• Demonstrated history of effective performance within demanding, deadline-driven environments.  Must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic and sense of urgency.
• Ability to engage in high-level strategic discussions, use judgment in synthesizing complex information and contribute a meaningful analysis of situations and relationships.   
• Ability to articulate in both spoken and written words at a very high level, including strong writing and editing skills.  
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise reporting materials with well-thought-out backgrounds, strategies, and message points to advance an agenda.
• Ability to anticipate opportunities and challenges and proactively address concerns and advancing agendas. 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function with diplomacy, lead confidently, and provide strategic vision to advance the goals of DAR and the University.
• Ability to mentor others, both those who are direct reports and those who are colleagues working collaboratively.  
• Unwavering commitment to excellence in work product and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in working with senior-level officers and ability to interact comfortably with colleagues, faculty, administrators, executives, and other staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of all privileged information.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 10-12 years of professional work experience in development and alumni relations or a related field. 
• Master's degree preferred.

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.