Full Job Description
Job Summary
This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this position will be remote until further notice.
We are seeking an Assistant Director, University Donor Relations on the University Development Office team within Harvard Alumni Affairs and Development.
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) comprises the University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). There is a unique relationship between the University and the FAS fundraising operations, resulting from a long history in which University fundraising ultimately grew out of College fundraising.
University Development Office (UDO)
UDO works closely with the President and Provost, and their teams, to determine their development efforts, leads fundraising for University principal gifts, initiatives and international fundraising, and coordinates cultivation and stewardship strategies for a select group of top prospects.
The Assistant director, University Donor Relations stewards donors of principal gifts, particularly to centrally held endowed and current use funds, through written stewardship impact reports, opportunistic stewardship touches, special recognition projects and events, and other University-wide recognition activities. Maintains comprehensive knowledge of the donors in his/her portfolio and is responsible for managing independently all relevant reporting schedules and stewardship files. He or she will provide excellent customer service to the University’s most generous donors, as well as to students, and colleagues across the University.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Proactively, and in close collaboration with principal gift officers, develops and implements personalized stewardship strategies for top donors to the University, including plans for creating one-of-a-kind reports.
Ensures that stewardship on complex gifts and donors who have given across the University is coordinated across Harvard. Fosters strong relationships with colleagues at Schools, including taking a lead role in creating comprehensive reports that cover outcomes across multiple Schools and funds.
Conducts research and interviews staff, students, and faculty on the use of new and existing funds created by top donors to the University in order to create compelling, meaningful, and highly individualized stewardship reports on behalf of University officials, including the president, provost, and other senior administrators. Determines how to present reports, including design, digital components, and visual presentation of data.
Partners with development communications team to produce non-written stewardship pieces, including customized photobooks, videos, and other meaningful mementos, to engage the University’s most generous donors.
Monitors activities related to donors and the outcomes of their gifts, and seeks high-level opportunities for ad hoc stewardship and engagement of donors by the president.
Develops and keeps accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date information on strategic stewardship plans for individual donors and all funds reported on and monitored.
Utilizes internal database and reporting platforms to run and analyze donor and gift reports. Works closely with team members to research fund status and monitor for compliance with fund terms and donor intent.
Provides ad hoc research and other support for University Donor Relations projects as needed. May include drafting gift acknowledgments and ad hoc correspondence during busy times of the year. Must be able to serve as an editor and proofreader for documents produced by colleagues in University Donor Relations.
The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other appropriate and legitimate duties that may be required.
May be asked to submit a sample of prior work.
Basic Qualifications
College degree required.
Minimum of five years of experience in higher education or related field preferred.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading experience.
Must have proven capability to evaluate problems accurately and display good judgment.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Must have an even disposition with poised confidence and have the ability to deal effectively and politely with people from different experience levels in all types of situations.
Must have excellent communication skills and a strong command of English grammar and usage. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the critical elements to writing an effective and accurate report. Must have the ability to adapt writing to many voices, based on multiple signatories. Experience with creating visual impact pieces a plus.
Must have excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and communication skills necessary to develop successful working relationships with diverse members of the University community. Must be able to work as a member of a team and independently.
Requires strong research, analytical, and creative skills. Must pay exceptional attention to details and accuracy. Must have innate ability for resourcefulness in obtaining information and in overcoming obstacles to carry out assignments. Must be able to treat confidential information with a high level of discretion.
Must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple tasks, prioritize work appropriately, and adapt easily to changing priorities. Must demonstrate strong work ethic and ability to take initiative.
Excellent computer skills and proficiency or ability to learn quickly Microsoft Word, Excel, design software, and internal database and reporting platforms.
Additional Information
This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
Please include a cover letter with your application.
Skills testing may be a component of the interview process for this position.
About Harvard University
Harvard University, based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, was established in 1636 and is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The University is home to over 20,000 students and employs 18,000 people, making us the fifth-largest employer in Massachusetts. Harvard is a special place, filled with diverse, energetic, and talented people who are driven to grow and succeed. By working here, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard’s world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise.
Why AA&D?
We are a dedicated team of 400 alumni affairs and development professionals supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through roles that include front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, events, communications, prospect management and research, business process, talent management and many other areas.
Harvard’s Alumni Affairs and Development team inspires and galvanizes alumni, friends, and members of the University community to support Harvard through philanthropy, governance, and active engagement. AA&D believes a workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and our ever-evolving University constituency makes us a stronger and more effective organization. Our goal is to create an environment of respect that values the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community, 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. AA&D strives to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, innovation and sharing of information in our daily interactions and our work.
To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.harvard.edu/.
Discover AA&D and Harvard University Benefits
Opportunities for internal advancement
A creative, high- energy, collaborative environment
Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day
University-funded retirement plans
Tuition Assistance Program
Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
Health and wellness discounts, memberships and programs
Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards.
Accommodations:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development, Communications
Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
315057 Writer
Sub-Unit
-
Department
Alumni Affairs and Development
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
057
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
