Development Assistant, International Philanthropy

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.

The International Philanthropy team sits within the University Development Office and is a team of four that seeks to raise significant and principal gifts from international donors in support of presidential, school, and cross-school priorities. They also build and maintain a globally diverse constituency engaged at the highest level in service of the University’s success.

This full-time non-exempt position in the University Development Office equally supports the work of two managers: Senior Director of International Philanthropy and Senior Director of International Philanthropy for Asia. This role serves as principal administrative contact and liaison for external and internal constituencies including donors, alumni, deans, faculty, and Harvard University colleagues. The Development Assistant has direct responsibility for the support of and coordination of calendars of both managers. The role will manage and support all background work for prospect portfolios and support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities including supporting fundraisers’ travel, correspondence, meetings, and events. This position works closely as a member of a collaborative four-person team, including close partnership with the Development Coordinator for International Philanthropy.

A successful candidate must be flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Must be able to respond to the strategic needs of the International Philanthropy team by juggling multiple and changing priorities with good judgement; being a resourceful and confident critical thinker; anticipating work and acting proactively; and maintaining superb organization, work ethic, and communication skills. Must be composed and comfortable interacting with a wide range of high-level constituents with the utmost professionalism and discretion. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide general office support, respond to phone and email inquiries, and proactively manage supervisors’ calendars. Assist with managing projects, tasks and workflow.
• Design, organize, and implement administrative systems and procedures, performing necessary support duties for 2 senior fundraisers. 
• Prepare meeting materials and record the proceedings of meetings.
• Draft correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Draft briefing materials and internal memos as advised.
• Pull prospect lists and other reports from our alumni database and provide basic analysis and research on data sets.
• Manage expense reports across various international currencies.
• Manage fundraisers’ portfolios and maintain up-to-date database records.
• Organize and arrange meetings involving multiple parties across the University.
• Coordinate complicated national and international travel arrangements across multiple time zones for 2 senior fundraisers and occasionally for University leadership, faculty, and senior staff. Also responsible for scheduling and coordinating the use of facilities, services and all required arrangements to support the team.

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:

• Minimum one-two years of related experience, where education (beyond high school) may count towards experience. 
• Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management. 
• Excellent skills in the functional use of Microsoft Office, mail merges and report generation. 
• Excellent word processing and excel skills required.
• Candidates must be willing to have an in-office presence of three days a week minimum and flexibility for in office as needed around manager needs and donor visits. 
• Available to work additional evening/weekend hours if necessary. 
• 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:

• Must be detail oriented, able to prioritize work and to work independently. 
• Strong and proven writing and editing skills.
• Evidence of the analytic and research skills to gather and determine essential data from a variety of written and individual sources. Familiarity with databases helpful.
• Must be focused and motivated to learn and be flexible to change. 
• Must have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and must take the initiative to maintain a strong work ethic at all times.
• Must be able to develop excellent relationships with members of the university community. 
• Must be a professional, confidential, honest and reliable person. 
• Must have excellent diplomatic skills and the ability to navigate complex, cross-cultural topics and issues with good, sound, and confidential judgment
• Knowledge of fundraising in a non-profit setting helpful.
• International experience and familiarity working with international currencies, time zones, and global means of communication preferred. 

• 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
• Other Information:
  • Please submit a cover letter with your application.
  • Orientation and Review Period: 3 months

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.