Beth Parsons

Beth Parsons specializes in the education and non-profit sectors, having held fundraising and leadership roles in prominent educational and social impact organizations for nearly 20 years. She partners with clients to develop search strategies on the basis of organizational needs and core values. Her extensive advancement network serves as a source of high-impact talent.

Professional Focus

Experience in executive search along with nearly 20 years in the education and non-profit sectors
Specialized expertise in secondary and higher education, charitable and cultural institutions and foundations
Track record of successful placements in annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and foundation relations; and alumni engagement, as well as cross-functional positions across organizational levels
In-depth understanding of education and non-profit leadership competencies as well as functional areas such as fundraising, outreach, program management, operations, partnerships, and governance

Business Expertise

Search Director at a global executive search and talent management firm specializing in the non-profit sector
Director, Museums & Educational Outreach at Phillips Academy, Andover; promoted from Associate Director, Museums & Educational Outreach
Senior Associate Director, Boston College Fund at Boston College; promoted from Associate Director
Assistant Director of Development at Tufts University
Director of Fundraising at United Ways of New England (UWONE), Boston; promoted from Associate Director of Fundraising

Additional Expertise

Social Impact
Education
Not-for-Profit
Cultural Institutions

Areas of Expertise

Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in human development from Boston College; minor in human resources management, specialization in organizational behavior
Certificate of Completion - Discipline of Frontline Fundraising, Plus Delta Partners

Affiliations & Awards

Mentoring Chair, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
Co-Chair, New Advancement Professionals Track, CASE
Member, Women in Development of Greater Boston (WIDGB)

Boston

75 Arlington Street
Suite 5000
Boston
United States

Case Studies

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Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership

With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.

Strategic Turnaround: A CFO’s Role in Rebuilding Culture and Financial Leadership

Boyden supports a major charter school network with the recruitment of the right CFO to bridge strategy, execution, and collaboration.

Elevating IT Excellence: An Ivy League University’s Search for Top Talent

Thought Leadership

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Boyden Report Series

As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?

Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members