As Senior Vice President for University Advancement, MacGillivray serves as a member of the university’s senior leadership team, leading Northeastern’s strategic initiatives to build and expand strong ties with its 255,000-plus alumni, as well as parents, friends, and philanthropic organizations. She oversees a broad range of efforts, including development, alumni relations, the office of the board of trustees, advancement communications and services, events and academic ceremonies, parent and family engagement, corporate and foundation relations, interdisciplinary initiatives, and special projects.

In addition, MacGillivray founded Women Who Empower, a university-wide initiative grounded in the belief that diverse and inclusive communities empower a better world. Women Who Empower advances this mission through its entrepreneurship initiative, scholarships, mentorship, events and more.  Launched in 2021, the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards have granted more than $300,000 to 41 alumnae and students from countries across five continents to provide both financial resources and a supportive global network to promising entrepreneurs.

MacGillivray is currently leading the university’s $1.3 billion philanthropic campaign, Experience Powered by Northeastern.  She previously oversaw the successful completion of the university’s historic Empower campaign. Under Diane’s leadership, annual fundraising has increased from an average of $20 million to an average of $110 million, including securing a gift for the first and second named college at the university and attaining two $100 million commitments to launch an advanced technology campus in Portland, Maine.

Prior to joining Northeastern in 2007, MacGillivray was senior associate dean for Advancement in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC). MacGillivray holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s in 19th century British history from USC.