Development Assistant

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Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Development team at Harvard Law School is a dynamic fundraising team dedicated to securing philanthropic support to advance the vision and priorities of the Dean of HLS.   

We are seeking a Development Assistant to support three frontline fundraisers. This position is an integral member of a larger team and has responsibility for a wide range of complex and confidential administrative support duties. The Development Assistant actively participates in major and principal gift work, gaining knowledge of specific fundraising priorities and programs and supporting gift prospect assignments.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities

As Development Assistant you will: 

• Conduct preliminary prospect research, track solicitation process and progress, and update contact reports.   
• Assist team in coordinating prospect portfolios and works with major gift officers to identify prospects utilizing prospecting and reporting tools.  
• Schedule meetings/appointments and make travel arrangements. Compile prospect profiles and related briefing materials; support prospect visit follow-up by preparing correspondence, reports, and adding relevant data to the central prospect database.  
• Prepare travel expenses for processing.   
• Assist with the planning and coordination of leadership events.  
• Respond to donor and alumni inquiries as appropriate.  
• Serve as liaison for HLS administrative offices, alumni, donors, and volunteers.  
• Collaborate and coordinate joint travel and events for major gift initiatives as well as with other fundraising teams. 
• Works closely with other Development Assistants to lead and manage various projects.  
• Prepare materials for presentation and distribution.   
• Perform other duties as necessary. 

Basic Qualifications

3 or more years of experience in a related field. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who: 

• Are adept at working in a fast-paced environment, with changing priorities and multiple constituencies. 
• Employ effective communication skills, particularly via phone and email. Maintain discretion when handling confidential information. 
• Have an ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks at one time, are highly organized, possess sound judgement and strong attention to detail.  
• Be an effective problem solver and able to represent the department in a professional manner.  
• Can work independently with minimal supervision, but also able to collaborate well with team members. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.  

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Other Information:

This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA. There may be an opportunity to work a hybrid schedule based on business needs and with supervisor approval.  

Must be available to provide in-person support for meetings and events as needed.

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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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 053. 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.