Development Assistant, Major Gifts

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.

Job Summary:

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 University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

The Development Assistant (DA) is an integral member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) development team. This full-time non-exempt position supports frontline gift officers to advance the philanthropic mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Achieves proficiency in the alumni/donor databases such as Advance, Qlik, and Workfront to research prospects, enter and organize data, and produce reports
• Regularly manages updates to the alumni/donor databases to ensure all information is entered accurately and timely.
• Provides support to all aspects of the fundraisers prospect management process including (but not limited to) data gathering and maintenance; drafting prospect outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports; scheduling meetings, preparing meeting materials and follow-up action items, and drafting follow-up notes to stakeholders.
• Partners with gift officers to write high quality donor briefings for meetings with the President, Deans, Provost, Faculty, and other staff.
• Proactively develops and prepares necessary meeting and solicitation materials prior to prospect meetings and is responsible for supporting post meeting follow-up, including submitting contact/visit reports. 
• Coordinates gift officers’ travel arrangements, reimbursements, and expenses in collaboration with the budget office. 
• Maintains calendar for the gift officers, organizes meetings, and takes and distributes notes. 
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders such as donors and/or alumni both domestically and internationally. 
• Serves as a resource for policies, protocols, and procedures. 
• Strategizes new and creative ways for fundraising efforts to be more efficient and productive. Builds relationships and collaborates with other departmental teams including (but not limited to) the University Development Office, Harvard College Fund, Communications, Events, Alumni Development Services, Development Technology Services, and the Harvard Alumni Association.
• Participates in various team and staff meetings throughout the year and is an engaged member of the team
• Provides other job-related duties as required.
   

Basic Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of related experience, education beyond high school may count toward experience. Experience in Information Science, Data Science, and/or related area of study preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail
• 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:

• The successful candidate will have robust communication skills, strong attention to detail, be highly organized, adaptable to changing needs, and be able to take initiative within their work. 
• Familiarity in Advance, Qlik, Workfront, or related development databases is a plus but not required.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: Please include a cover letter with your application. To learn more about AA&D and our team, please visit us here!

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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.