Andrew Davidson

Senior Vice President for University Advancement

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States

About

Fundraiser with 18+ years of experience. Experience includes management, major/capital gifts, and annual fund Prior work experience with investment companies.

Experience

  • Senior Vice President for University Advancement at Boston College
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

  • Vice President for Development at Dartmouth College
    Dec 2014 - Feb 2023 · 8 yrs 3 mos

    Manage and provide strategic oversight to Dartmouth's development program.

  • Assistant Dean of Resource Development at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
    Jun 2012 - Nov 2014 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Senior development strategist at Harvard’s School Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). Responsible for overall fundraising strategy in anticipation of school expansion and a major University-wide campaign. Specific oversight and management of development operations, including donor relations, stewardship, events, communications. Continue to serve as a senior strategist and fundraiser for the FAS campaign.

  • Executive Director of Capital Giving at Harvard University
    Jul 2008 - Jun 2012 · 4 yrs

    Manage the Capital Giving department, comprising a staff of 27, including 18 frontline fundraisers. Department annually completed 2000+ donor visits and 50+ events, with a budget of $3.5m. Oversaw increased international fundraising, implemented strategic and measurable prospecting program, created tracking program for top 1000 prospects, and created clear goals for individuals and department. Conducted comprehensive analysis of donor base, broken down by region, giving and rating, and used analysis to refine officer responsibilities. In spring of 2010, charged with organizing FAS’ campaign planning, including assessing fundraising potential, developing nucleus fund pool, formulating donor engagement and education plan, and analysis of organizational needs. Worked with small group of top prospects, involving successful solicitation of seven and eight figure gifts. Part of FAS development’s senior management team. Nominated to and completed Focused Leadership, a program designed for high-performing senior managers in key leadership roles.

  • Harvard University, Alumni Affairs and Development (Cambridge, MA)
    • Managing Director, Capital Giving
      2006 - 2008 · 2 yrs

      Managed team of six regional fundraisers, responsible for working with donors rated $500k and above. Worked with the Capital Giving Group Leader to develop a comprehensive new staff orientation program. Worked closely with the Senior Deputy Director of the Harvard College Fund to implement the second year of the box-chart fundraising process. Continued to work with approximately 30 high-level prospects, raising several six and seven figure gifts. Worked successfully with the operations, research, academic development, and human resource groups to achieve shared fundraising goals. Nominated to and completed Leadership in Action, an 8-month management program offered by the Harvard Center for Workplace Development.

    • Regional Director of Capital Giving
      Apr 2002 - 2006 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding 250+ prospects capable of making gifts of $250,000 - $5 million. Regions included: Boston, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, St. Louis, Kansas City, and New Orleans. Conducted more than 500 in-person donor meetings and coordinated activity for over 30 events. Developed gift proposals for numerous six and seven-figure gifts amenable to the donor and serving the needs of the FAS. Managed activities related to the Boston Major Gifts Committee (a regionally-based committee comprised of Harvard’s top 100 donors and volunteers), including staffing the Executive Committee and meeting on a regular basis with the Committee co-chairs to determine strategy. Worked as a team member on various internal committees to streamline processes. Coordinated fundraising activities and needs of Harvard University Center for the Environment and for Dean Benedict H. Gross, dean of Harvard College. Staffed various Harvard administrators on trips and meetings, including the President, Provost, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Dean of Harvard College, and several faculty members.