Director of Development, Major Gifts, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Job Summary

The Director, a full-time exempt position on the Faculty of Arts and Sciences(FAS)
Major Gifts team, will report to, and work in partnership withthe

Senior Executive Director  of Development to lead, mentor, and manage a team of gift officersinthe

Boston region.

As a member of the Major Giftsleadershipteam, the Director willbe responsible fordeterminingoverall strategy for the region along with internal and external execution ofan engagement plan. This role will alsobe responsible for coordinating a portfolio of internalleadershipactivities such as staff training, fundraiser goal setting, review of regional prospect assignments, strategic planning, donor engagement strategy, and other activities as assigned. This position informs decision making andis responsible forcarrying out policies and strategies, and modeling best practices as a leader,fundraiser,and colleague.

• In consultation with the Senior Executive Director, create, socialize, and finalize annual strategic plan for the assigned region. This includes:

  • Creation of concise written plan including yearly analysis of activity.
  • Execution of meeting series to convene fundraisers and key organizational partners.
  • Focus on strategy for top prospects in the region and serve as decision maker in developing prospect pipelines for travel, engagement plan for leadership and faculty, and ensuring solicitation plan.
  • Communicate and strategize regularly with key partners including Principal Gifts, Programs and Events, Priorities and Proposals, Stewardship and Donor Engagement, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Harvard College Fund to ensure collaboration that leads to results.

• Effectively leverage relationship with Principal Gift Officer who will be acting as a consultant in the region. Serve as the final decision maker in all planning matters. Such, communicate and present effectively and intentionally with the Principal Gift partner and across the organization.

• Collaborate with colleagues in Research and Prospect Management to determine appropriate portfolios for direct reports and appropriate prospect transitions between Leadership Giving and Major Gifts.

• Develop efforts and supporting activities that focus on prospect strategy development across the Major Gifts team and the AA&D in consultation with the Senior Executive Director and in partnership with the Major Gifts leadership team, FAS Management team, Leadership and Principal Gift officers, and the Harvard College Fund officers.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and manage a team of Major Giving officers responsible for securing gifts in the assigned region. Mentor, counsel, and motivate the staff to set annual goals and raise aspirational philanthropic support in a professional, ethical, and mission-informed manner.

• Ensure officers are progressing to goals and adhering to prospect management procedures. Responsible for training, coaching, and shadowing officers.

• Provide encouragement, support, and motivation with a focus on consistent and constructive feedback.

• Contribute to the organization through participation in university-wide and FAS committees and work on special projects as needed.

• Manage a small portfolio of prospects. Travel expectations require approximately 10% of time spent on the road, not including preparation for, execution of, or follow-up on, external visits.

• Embrace new ideas, be flexible, open to change, and think innovatively. Must be confidential, honest, and trustworthy person and possess ability to gain stakeholder buy in. Must have an even disposition and be able to deal effectively and politely with people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of difficult or challenging situations. Must be able to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound judgment.
• Consistently reflect and embrace the values and culture of AA&D. Commit to an organizational culture of collaboration and respect. Possess a supportive and accessible leadership style which inspires individuals to hold themselves to the highest expectations. Ability to lead and motivate direct reports and to lead with influence across different departments.

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in development or related transferable skills.
• Previous management of frontline fundraisers required.
• You will be expected to attend meetings, work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in…