Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, UDO, this position will establish and lead a central Corporate and Foundations Relations (CFR) team within the University Development Office (UDO). The Executive Director will work closely with academic, administrative, and development leaders across Harvard to proactively craft and implement strategies to increase philanthropic support from foundations and corporations, primarily to university priorities and cross‑school initiatives.

• Assess the landscape of corporate and foundation philanthropy at Harvard and identify opportunities for added value and intersection with current and emerging University priorities.
• Grow the corporate and foundations pipeline and personally manage a portfolio of prospects and funders.
• Identify, set the strategy for, and facilitate relationships between top foundation leaders and University leadership both for engagement and stewardship.
• Liaise with Academic‑Corporate Initiatives and Technology Development teams to coordinate relationships with current and prospective corporate partners and funders.
• Establish collaborative partnerships with UDO and School fundraisers to provide technical expertise and execute coordinated fundraising activities and strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop cross‑disciplinary, transformational, and innovative funding opportunities and proposals that align with both university and foundation objectives.
• Serve the UDO and School development offices as a resource for policies, procedures, and industry trends for corporate and foundation philanthropy.
• Develop best practices and new systems for CFR portfolio and pipeline management, goal‑setting, and metrics.
• Hire and manage the CFR department within UDO, including professional development and performance management.
• Conduct work in alignment with the values of inclusion, respect, collegiality, excellence, and curiosity.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in corporate and foundations relations or relevant transferable experience, as well as management experience, required.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel as necessary for donor and colleague meetings and events.
• Expected to work certain events/campus activities and participate in department retreats on campus in Cambridge, MA.

• Fundraising experience at a major research university is preferred.
• Experience building strong relationships with major regional and national foundations.
• Ability to inspire and lead a high performing and inclusive team.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Superb organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Computer literacy required; experience with Windows‑based PCs, prospect databases, and videoconferencing platforms.

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

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. All community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.