Assistant Director of Development, Harvard College Fund, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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.

About the Role

This full-time exempt position in the Harvard College Fund reports to the Director of Development, Reunions. The role is responsible for planning and executing class reunion and non-reunion fundraising efforts for classes following the 50th reunion. You will work closely with staff and alumni leaders to manage volunteer committees, aiming to maximize dollar and participation results. The position involves securing both capital and annual support from alumni, with an emphasis on support for the College but also for other FAS and University priorities.

The class officer develops and implements class-wide fundraising plans and individual prospect strategies. Occasional travel is required to survey, solicit, and coordinate top donor prospects and volunteer leaders. This role demands a command of basic fundraising principles, high organization, professionalism, and familiarity with volunteer management, annual giving, capital campaigns, and planned giving. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manages Harvard College and Radcliffe College alumni classes in and out of reunion.
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards top prospects in assigned classes:
  • Determines solicitation strategies for prospects targeted for Associates-level ($1,000+) asks, both independently and with management assistance.
  • Collaborates with prospect managers on strategies for prospects in their portfolio.
  • Solicits leadership- and associates-level gifts.
• Enlists and manages volunteer leadership.
• Plans and manages reunion gift campaigns:
  • Establishes a campaign calendar and sets goals.
  • Monitors metrics and reports results.
  • Conducts reunion gift committee meetings and calls.
  • Devises strategic social events.
• Identifies, enlists, manages, and stewards volunteers:
  • Works with HCF management, FAS Major Gift Officers, FAS and UDO Gift Planning Officers, and FAS and UDO Principal Gift Officers to identify key class leaders.
  • Guides conversations around diverse and inclusive representation.
  • Enlists volunteers collaboratively and independently, setting clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.
  • Strategically guides volunteer committees to support FAS and HCF priorities and goals.
  • Makes solicitation assignments and provides resources to facilitate solicitations.
  • Follows up to close gifts and document pledges.
  • Stewards volunteers to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
• Collaborates with the HCF Management Team, Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Harvard Alumni Association (College Alumni Programs), FAS Research and Prospect Management, Alumni & Development Services, Operations, Academic & Development Coordination, Academic & Donor Engagement, volunteers, and donors to advance Harvard’s engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Directs work for and mentors a shared, full-time Development Assistant.
• Collaborates periodically on special projects with the HCF Management Team and the FAS and UDO fundraising staff to further overall fundraising objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in university fundraising and administration or related transferable experience.
• Travel expectations: approximately 15-20 percent of working days, depending on responsibilities.
• Some event and weekend work required.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows and databases.
• Must be available to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of academic communities.
• Demonstrated success in annual or capital giving, or applicable ability in writing fundraising materials, devising sophisticated cultivation and solicitation strategies, and events management.
• Proven ability to motivate, engage, and work with alumni, university officials, faculty, staff, or similar constituencies.
• Strong abilities to evaluate problems accurately and display sound, confidential judgment.
• Motivated to learn and adaptable to change.
• Ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects, and handle difficult situations with tact and a sense of humor.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and efficient.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce clear documentation.
• Excellent public speaking, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Creative, proactive, yet disciplined and able to streamline work volume while multitasking and reprioritizing daily, with guidance from the managing director.
• Professional, confidential, honest, and trustworthy.
• Even disposition with the ability to deal effectively and politely with people from diverse backgrounds and in difficult situations.
• Maintains a professional and caring demeanor with a strong work ethic.
• Collaborative, conscientious, and results-oriented.
• Strong listening skills and ability to influence and persuade others.

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

This position is salary grade level 057. Visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Schedule

• 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work schedule and location, set by the department based on operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees must work in a Harvard-registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.