CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR ADVANCEMENT Development Alumni Relations

Overview 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. Position Chief Operating Officer (COO) Responsibilities Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Advancement, the chief operating officer (COO) will serve as a key advisor to senior members in Advancement, leading the division in organizational development, talent management, strategic planning, budget, facilities, and overseeing the following teams: People & Culture, Finance & Operations, and Advancement Information Strategies (AIS), which includes Business Intelligence and Prospect Strategies, Gifts & Records, Advancement Applications, and Client Technology Experience and Community. Diagnoses organizational needs, develops and articulates a compelling vision, and introduces and executes effective programs and initiatives. Serves as an essential resource for Advancement managers regarding staff and departmental planning, performance management, staff engagement and satisfaction, learning and development, and building a healthy culture. Leads talent acquisition and strategic engagement; collaborates with University HR partners; active member and leader on the national network of strategic talent management in the not-for-profit sector. Develops and implements a strategic talent management program; identifies and develops leaders; develops successor talent; provides strategic direction for talent development and retention; leads strategic planning to align team goals with annual outcomes. Oversees the departments of Finance, Administration and Operations including budget, space, facilities, payroll, advancement policy and procedures, and day-to-day operations; manages relationships with key University partners in finance, operations, and administration. Provides strategic leadership for AIS to support fundraising, engagement, and participation goals through data services, reporting, and research; designs and sustains a state-of-the-art prospect research and management program to support growth priorities. Oversees change management across Advancement, updates policies and systems, and ensures timely communication with staff and external partners. Primary and Secondary Oversight Main oversight: People & Culture; Finance & Operations; AIS (analytics, prospect management, research); Gifts & Records. Secondary oversight: Advancement Applications (in partnership with IS&T); Client Technology Experience and Community. Team Scope The COO will lead a team supporting 250+ Advancement staff with oversight of 53 FTEs (28 AIS, 16 IS&T, 6 People & Culture, 3 Finance & Operations). Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (MBA, MPA, MA in Higher Education Administration, or related field). Experience: 14+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in talent development, operations, finance, IT, and project management, ideally in advancement at a higher education Research 1 institution. Leadership Competencies: Strategic Thinking; Leading by Influence; Results Orientation; Financial Acumen; Systems & Process Thinking; Excellent Judgment & Discretion; Change Leadership; Communication & Stakeholder Management; Collaborative Partnership; Talent Development & Coaching; Data & Analytical Orientation. Other: Ability to build, develop, and retain strong teams; technical and program experience in data governance, BI, gift/records operations, advancement systems, and large-scale initiatives; excellent written and verbal communication; change management; compliance and risk management. Personal Attributes Collaborative, collegial leadership; adept at building campus-wide partnerships. Pragmatic problem-solver with attention to detail and bias for action. Commitment to confidentiality, ethical decision-making, and institutional stewardship. Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities; skilled coach and mentor. Values Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect; diversity, equity, inclusion; integrity; strategic thinking and curiosity; continuous growth; joy and shared appreciation for meaningful work. Application & Equal Opportunity To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University, please visit the Advancement Talent website: bu.edu/advancement-talent. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national 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 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 Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (MBA, MPA, MA in Higher Education Administration, or related field). Experience: 14+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in talent development, operations, finance, IT, project management, ideally in advancement in a higher ed Research 1 institution. Leadership Competencies: (Same as above) #J-18808-Ljbffr