Managing Director, Development

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.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission through research and education, and to be part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country at an opportune time for public health!

The Managing Director, Development (MDD) is a full‑time exempt position responsible for the leadership and management of ODAR’s fundraising team (5‑6 people). The MDD oversees principal gifts ($5M+), major gifts ($250 K+), corporate and foundation relations, and coordination on gift planning with the University Development Office (UDO). The role collaborates with colleagues across the School, the Office of Communications, Office of Research Strategy and Development (ORSD), Office of Financial Services (OFS), Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), and other university‑wide partners.

The MDD works closely with the Vice Dean and School leadership to shape, articulate, and advance fundraising goals in support of Harvard Chan priorities. The incumbent develops and executes high‑level fundraising and prospect strategies to enable the realization of established goals and objectives for the annual and multi-year fundraising objectives of Harvard Chan School.

In partnership with the ODAR Senior Leadership Team (OSLT), the MDD integrates and unifies gift planning, major and principal gift fundraising, corporate partnerships, and foundations relations while shaping a cohesive, collaborative, and accountable fundraising team. The MDD builds, motivates, mentors and manages the team to achieve stretch goals in support of Harvard Chan School’s fundraising priorities, ensuring staff receive appropriate training and professional development opportunities.

• Build, motivate, mentor, and manage direct reports to achieve goals in support of Harvard Chan School’s fundraising priorities. Establish clear expectations, provide frequent constructive feedback, and conduct interim and annual evaluations. Lead strategies for professional development.
• Develop and adhere to a collective development operating plan to achieve strategic cultivation and solicitation of prospects. Collaborate on a multi‑year plan aligned with School fundraising priorities.
• Provide regular updates on progress to the Vice Dean, OSLT, and key stakeholders.
• Carry a small portfolio of key prospects and act as back‑up for select prospects held by the Dean and Vice Dean.
• Work closely with team members to grow the prospect base and ensure productivity in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts.
• Partner strategically with the Vice Dean, OSLT, and School colleagues to develop a strong and effective case of support for current and potential donors in advancing Harvard Chan development priorities. Develop effective strategies for communications, events, stewardship, and proposals.
• Actively partner and prioritize transparent and lasting relationships across the Harvard Chan community through collaboration with faculty and other colleagues, including the Office of Communications, ORSD, and Office of Financial Services.
• Lead the development, execution and evaluation of the annual and multi‑year fundraising plan that supports the overall multi‑year fundraising agenda and initiatives.
• Advance a development culture that…