Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights

Company Description

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.

Harvard Business School, located on a 40‑acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world‑leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

The Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights plays a critical role in advancing Harvard Business School’s (HBS) philanthropic priorities by leading prospect research, capacity analysis, and due diligence across External Relations (ER) and beyond. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development Services, this role provides strategic oversight of research, reputational risk assessment, and lead tracking, applying consistent standards and intelligence across External Relations and beyond.

In addition to serving as the central authority for due diligence, the Director leads the development research function, managing a team of researchers who provide high‑quality, actionable intelligence and capacity assessments. The role ensures that research outputs are integrated into fundraising strategies and that the team partners consultatively with frontline fundraisers to drive successful prospect engagement and solicitation.

• Serve as lead authority for due diligence, ensuring a consistent and transparent process across External Relations and beyond.
• Develop and guide protocols aligned with Harvard University’s gift acceptance policies and international standards.
• Provide School leadership and the frontline with timely, strategic, and actionable risk assessments on prospective donors, corporations, and foundations to safeguard the School’s reputation and inform long‑term fundraising strategy.

• Oversee research strategies to identify, qualify, and prioritize major and principal gift prospects in alignment with HBS fundraising priorities.
• Guide the team in translating wealth indicators, philanthropic patterns, and engagement/affinity scores into strategic insights that inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Lead methodologies for accurate capacity ratings, including HBS evaluations and advanced financial analyses. Ensure that the research team provides proactive, consultative support to frontline fundraisers, offering tailored research, briefings, and strategy recommendations.

• Direct the design and use of lead tracking systems to monitor pipeline activity and identify emerging opportunities.
• Partner with ER IT to refine systems, models, and engagement scoring that support data‑driven fundraising strategies.
• Ensure integration of research outputs into advancement systems for broad accessibility and strategic use.

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of prospect researchers and analysts, fostering a culture of rigor, innovation, and collaboration.
• Position the research team as a strategic thought partner to frontline fundraisers, providing consultative guidance and insights that elevate donor strategy and engagement.
• Promote professional development and active engagement in associations such as APR and CASE.
• Serve as a visible leader across HBS, building partnerships with Development, Alumni Marketing & Communications, Alumni Relations, and University…