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.