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

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.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

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, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACEDR), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).

This full‑time exempt position in the Harvard College Fund reports to the Director of Development, Reunions and is responsible for planning and executing class reunion and non‑reunion fundraising efforts for the classes following the 50th reunion, working closely with staff and alumni leaders to manage volunteer committees to maximize dollar and participation results. S/he secures 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 is responsible for developing and implementing class‑wide fundraising plans and individual prospect strategies. Travels occasionally over the course of the year to survey, solicit, and coordinate top donor prospects and volunteer leaders. This position requires a command of basic fundraising principles, a high level of organization, professionalism, and a broad familiarity with the objectives of volunteer management, and annual, capital, and planned giving fundraising.

Strong written and oral communication skills are mandatory for this role.

• Manages Harvard College and Radcliffe College alumni classes in and out of reunion.
• Responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding top prospects in assigned classes:
  • Determines independently, and with management assistance, solicitation strategies for prospects being targeted for Associates‑level ($1,000+) asks.
  • Strategizes with prospect managers on prospects in their portfolio.
  • Solicits leadership‑ and associates‑level gifts.
  • Enlists and manages volunteer leadership.
• Responsible for planning and managing a reunion gift campaign:
  • Establishes a calendar.
  • Sets goals.
  • Monitors metrics.
  • Reports results.
  • Conducts reunion gift committee meetings and calls.
  • Devises strategic social events.
• Responsible for the identification, enlistment, management, and stewardship of 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.
  • Intentionally guides conversations around diverse and inclusive representation.
  • Collaboratively and independently enlists volunteers, setting clear expectations around roles and responsibilities.
  • Strategically guides volunteer committees and their work in support of FAS…