Development Assistant, International Philanthropy

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 University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.

Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; 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. We strive to 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.

AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.

The International Philanthropy team sits within the University Development Office and is a team of four that seeks to raise significant and principal gifts from international donors in support of presidential, school, and cross-school priorities. They also build and maintain a globally diverse constituency engaged at the highest level in service of the University’s success.

This full-time non-exempt position in the University Development Office equally supports the work of two managers:
Senior Director of International Philanthropy and Senior Director of International Philanthropy for Asia. This role serves as principal administrative contact and liaison for external and internal constituencies including donors, alumni, deans, faculty, and Harvard University colleagues. The Development Assistant has direct responsibility for the support of and coordination of calendars of both managers. The role will manage and support all background work for prospect portfolios and support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities including supporting fundraisers’ travel, correspondence, meetings, and events.

This position works closely as a member of a collaborative four-person team, including close partnership with the Development Coordinator for International Philanthropy.

A successful candidate must be flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Must be able to respond to the strategic needs of the International Philanthropy team by juggling multiple and changing priorities with good judgement; being a resourceful and confident critical thinker; anticipating work and acting proactively; and maintaining superb organization, work ethic, and communication skills.

Must be composed and comfortable interacting with a wide range of high-level constituents with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

• Provide general office support, respond to phone and email inquiries, and proactively manage supervisors’ calendars. Assist with managing projects, tasks and workflow.
• Design, organize, and implement administrative systems and procedures, performing necessary support duties for 2 senior fundraisers.
• Prepare meeting materials and record the proceedings of meetings.
• Draft correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Draft briefing materials and internal memos as advised.
• Pull prospect lists and other reports…