Development Coordinator, International Philanthropy

About the role

The International Philanthropy Coordinator supports frontline fundraising activities through donor briefings, prospect and topical research, strategy development, stewardship coordination with Donor Relations, donor and faculty correspondence, gift proposal development, and international gift policy submissions. The position works closely with Gift Management to ensure accurate gift processing and provides support to international senior leadership and faculty engagement activities.

Responsibilities

• Supports frontline fundraising activities through donor briefings, prospect and topical research, strategy development, stewardship coordination with Donor Relations, donor and faculty correspondence, gift proposal development, and international gift policy submissions.
• Provides high-level support for international donor meetings, events, communications, and travel planning. Advises and assists Development Assistants with complex international itineraries and related logistics.
• Serves as a liaison to Research & Prospect Management, coordinating requests for prospect research and producing organizational profiles, background materials, and briefings on individual and institutional prospects.
• Manages the briefing and appointment process for international prospect meetings involving the President, Provosts, Deans, senior faculty, and other University leaders. Reviews briefing materials, assesses University affiliations and giving history, monitors relevant activity, and aligns recommendations with institutional priorities.
• Facilitates collaboration and information sharing across AA&D, schools, centers, and University partners, leveraging technology and effective communication practices to support fundraising objectives.
• Collaborates with Advancement Communications, Events, Donor Relations, Operations, and other University offices to strengthen stewardship, donor recognition, gift acknowledgments, reporting accuracy, and data integrity, while helping resolve complex gift-related issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Two years of related or equivalent experience.
• Solid computer skills in a PC and network environment, working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, higher degree a plus.
• Experience in an academic environment and knowledge of Harvard a plus; Knowledge of international fundraising in a non-profit setting helpful.
• Excellent organizational skills. Capable of managing multiple assignments from multiple sources; efficient, organized, detail oriented, unflappable, and able to meet project deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to comprehend and summarize detailed and complex research reports and press articles to create briefings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment and possess a strong commitment to client service.
• Strong interest in higher education and a general working knowledge of international issues, foreign language skills are a plus.

Skills

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, global environment, managing multiple priorities across geographic regions and University initiatives.
• Ability to anticipate needs, advance projects proactively, resolve challenges, and provide guidance to administrative staff on briefing materials, travel logistics, and expense reporting.
• Strong interest in higher education and a general working knowledge of international issues, foreign language skills are a plus.

Working Conditions

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.

Priorities and Values

• Leverage the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
• Deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work.
• Create a great place to work for everyone.
• 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.

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter with your application.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retail 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

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.