Assistant Director, Reunion and Leadership Giving

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Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

The Assistant Director is a frontline fundraising position responsible for managing class-based reunion fundraising campaigns and securing leadership gifts from alumni.  Directly oversees reunion fundraising activity, including volunteer management, for a portfolio of classes to primarily raise support from alumni for the HBS Fund.  Responsibilities include:

• Building trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
• Cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of five-, six-, and seven figures from a portfolio of class-based prospects. Identifies, enlists, and manages volunteer leadership who serve as partners in driving class fundraising activities and leads class fundraising committee meetings and calls
• Developing and/or collaborating on class campaign and individual prospect strategies
• This position requires a strong command of:
  • fundraising principles,
  • a familiarity with the objectives of reunion and leadership giving fundraising,
  • a high level of organization and professionalism, and
  • the ability to work with a sophisticated and high-level alumni constituency
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum five years of experience in fundraising and administration and/or related transferable experience is required
• Computer literacy required; must have experience with Windows and databases.

Additional Skills, Experience, and Credentials Needed for this Position:

• This position requires a strong command of fundraising principles, a high level of organization, professionalism, and a familiarity with the objectives of reunion, annual, and unrestricted-gift fundraising.
• Demonstrated success in reunion and/or leadership giving, devising cultivation and solicitation strategies, volunteer management, and event management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style are essential.
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced and goal-oriented environment.
• Must have the ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects, and handle difficult situations.
• Must be able to listen as well as to influence and persuade others. A self-starter who can work effectively as a team member and promote collaboration in an environment of accountability.
• Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change.
• Proven ability to motivate, engage, and work with alumni and members of the Harvard University community, including high-level donors and leadership volunteers.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional weekends and evenings is required.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 Hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:

This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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.