Assistant Director of Development, Harvard College Fund

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.

Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.

AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.

This full-time exempt position in the Harvard College Fund reports to a Managing Director of Development and is responsible for planning and executing Class Reunion fundraising efforts. The incumbent secures both capital and annual support from alumni with an emphasis on raising unrestricted, current-use funds for the College, in addition to other FAS priorities. They manage a portfolio of Harvard College alumni classes, and work closely with staff and alumni leaders to identify, recruit, and manage diverse and inclusive volunteer committees to maximize dollar and participation results. The Assistant Director is responsible for developing and implementing class-wide fundraising plans and individual prospect strategies. Meets regularly over the course of the year with top donor prospects and volunteer leaders, both in-person and virtually, to qualify, enlist, solicit, and coordinate on volunteer activity.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages Harvard College alumni classes in and out of reunion.
• Responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding top prospects in assigned classes:
• Determines independently, and with management assistance, solicitation strategies for prospects being targeted for Associates-level ($1,000+) asks.
  • Strategizes with prospect managers on prospects in their portfolio.
  • Solicits leadership- and associates-level gifts.
  • Enlists and manages volunteer leadership.
• Responsible for planning and managing a reunion gift campaign:
  • Establishes a calendar.
  • Sets goals.
  • Monitors metrics.
  • Reports results.
  • Conducts reunion gift committee meetings and calls.
  • Devises strategic social events.
• Responsible for the identification, enlistment, management, and stewardship of volunteers:
  • Works with HCF management, FAS Major Gift Officers, FAS and UDO Gift Planning Officers, and FAS and UDO Principal Gift Officers to identify key class leaders.
  • Intentionally guides conversations around diverse and inclusive representation.
  • Collaboratively and independently enlists volunteers, setting clear expectations around roles and responsibilities.
  • Strategically guides volunteer committees and their work in support of FAS and HCF priorities and goals.
  • Makes solicitation assignments.
  • Provides resources to facilitate solicitations.
  • Follows up to close gifts and document pledges.
  • Appropriately stewards volunteers ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
• Collaborates with the HCF Management Team, Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Harvard Alumni Association (College Alumni Programs), FAS Research and Prospect Management, Alumni & Development Services, Operations, Academic & Development Coordination, Academic & Donor Engagement, volunteers, and donors to further the cause of Harvard engagement and fundraising efforts. 
• Directs work for and mentors a shared, full-time Development Assistant.
• Collaborates periodically on special projects with the HCF Management Team and the FAS and UDO fundraising staff broadly to further overall fundraising objectives. 

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in university fundraising and administration or related transferable experience.
• Travel expectations required: approximately 15-20 percent of working days on the road, depending on responsibilities. Some event and weekend work required.
• Must have experience with Microsoft Windows and databases.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of academic communities required. Demonstrated success in annual or capital giving or applicable ability, writing fundraising materials, devising sophisticated cultivation and solicitation strategies, and events management. Proven ability to motivate, engage and work with alumni, university officials, faculty, and staff or similar constituencies. 
• Must have definite abilities to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound and confidential judgment.
• Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change. Must have ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects, and handle difficult situations with tact and a sense of humor.
• Must be highly organized, detail oriented and efficient. Must exhibit great attention to detail and have the ability to produce clear documentation.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills and written communication skills required. Must be creative and proactive yet disciplined, discriminating, and able to streamline work volume to maintain bottom line efforts in midst of multi-tasking and daily re-prioritizing, with managing director’s guidance.
• Must be a professional, confidential, honest, and trustworthy person.
• Must have an even disposition and be able to deal effectively and politely with people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of difficult situations. Must maintain a professional and caring demeanor and have a strong work ethic.
• Must be collaborative, conscientious, and results oriented. Must be able to listen as well as to influence and persuade others.

• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.