Assistant Director, Strategic Engagement

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 the Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky.  We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

About You: 

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to innovate and apply your knowledge to tackle projects in a fast past-paced, entrepreneurial environment. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role: 

We are looking for an Assistant Director of Strategic Engagement to oversee donor identification and stewardship activities, enhance communication with stakeholders, organize events, and address inquires. In this role, you will be a key contributor to expanding the donor base and strengthening stewardship practices that align with the Institutes’ strategic goals. You will serve integral member of the Strategic Engagement Team and also interact with a wide range of world-renowned academic innovators and scientists or engineers, as well as with industry experienced research and development professionals. You will also be working closely with internal grants teams, communications and business development professionals, as well as with development specialists at Harvard University’s Development Office (UDO).

What You'll Do: 

Relationship Building and Optimization:

• Identify and engage new prospects to include into the Wyss community of partners, prospects and donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, prospects, donors, staff, faculty and other key stakeholders to expand the Institute network or supporters;
• Represent the Institute at events, meetings and other engagement opportunities as needed.
• Provide strategic leadership in identifying gaps in data analysis, reporting, and workflows, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen insight-driven decision-making, donor strategy, and operational efficiency across stewardship functions.
• Partner in the development and implementation of new systems and tools that enable efficient, accurate, and timely proposal development, supporting major, principal, and institutional philanthropic initiatives of the Institute.

Program Design and Development

• Identify and shape compelling engagement programs and narratives that align target audience’ passions with institutional philanthropic priorities and campaign objectives.
• Direct data-informed program strategy, leveraging constituent research, engagement analytics, and philanthropic intelligence to assess current and prospective supporters’ interests, affinities, and capacity informing audience segmentation, cultivation pathways, and program evolution.
• Lead cross-functional execution of high-impact engagement strategies in collaboration with internal Wyss teams, overseeing engagement during Faculty Forums, Instrumentation, and other programs to cultivate, steward, and advance relationships with current and prospective supporters.
• Guide and prepare Faculty and Researchers to serve as effective philanthropic ambassadors by shaping curated scientific narratives and presentations that resonate with sophisticated, diverse audiences and intentionally surface transformational funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
• Exercise fiscal and operational leadership over program budgets and execution, collaborating with the Director of Strategic Engagement, Events, and Communications teams to ensure disciplined financial management, seamless logistics, and a consistently exceptional donor and prospects experience. 

Donor Stewardship

• Lead and implement stewardship best practices
• Develop and deliver highly personalized, donor-centric and advancement materials—including rapid proposals, campaign tools, briefing documents, and annual reports—in partnership with the Communications team, Faculty, and Researchers to advance philanthropic priorities and institutional goals.
• Lead and steward all programs, overseeing end-to-end stewardship strategies, including renewal processes, donor and engagement touchpoints, recognition of newsworthy achievements, and timely dissemination of program updates that reinforce mission alignment and impact.
• Craft and execute strategic acknowledgement and recognition initiatives for philanthropic gifts, advisory council milestones, and partnership renewals, ensuring timely, thoughtful, and values-driven engagement that strengthens long-term relationships, donor confidence, and sustained institutional support.
• Support Wyss Instrumentation Program, an established lab enhancement and equipment program. Ensure user feedback from this program aligns with active usage of instruments and appropriate project alignment.

What You'll Need: 

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience working in donor fundraising and/or scientifically-oriented organizations. Advanced knowledge of fundraising required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior experience in a science or technology focused organization
• Track record in engaging new donors and raising philanthropic funds
• Excellent organizational skills and /or team leadership experience 
• Proven experience in Donor Relations and Stewardship , including the ability to cultivate relationships with diverse members and partners.
• Strong Analytical Skills and problem-solving abilities to interpret member data and devise effective strategies for engagement.
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively connect with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in Stewardship Event Planning, including organizing and coordinating partner-focused events.
• Additional skills such as project management and familiarity with CRM systems are beneficial.
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment and prioritize tasks effectively.

• 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

Why you’ll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions.  We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. 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.