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

Job Summary

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 and HCF priorities and goals.
  • Makes solicitation assignments.
  • Provides resources to facilitate solicitations.
  • Follows up to close gifts and document pledges.
  • Appropriately stewards volunteers ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
• Collaborates with the HCF Management Team, Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Harvard Alumni Association (College Alumni Programs), FAS Research and Prospect Management, Alumni & Development Services, Operations, Academic & Development Coordination, Academic & Donor Engagement, volunteers, and donors to further the cause of Harvard engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Directs work and mentors a shared, full‑time Development Assistant.
• Collaborates periodically on special projects with the HCF Management Team and the FAS and UDO fundraising staff broadly to further overall fundraising objectives.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in university fundraising and administration or related transferable experience.
• Travel expectations required: approximately 15‑20 percent of working days on the road, depending on responsibilities. Some event and weekend work required.
• Must have experience with Microsoft Windows and databases.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

• Knowledge of academic communities required. Demonstrated success in annual or capital giving or applicable ability, writing fundraising materials, devising sophisticated cultivation…