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

Overview

This full-time exempt position supports Harvard College Fund fundraising efforts for class reunion and non-reunion activities, working with alumni, volunteers, and staff to maximize participation and gifts in alignment with Harvard’s development priorities.

The position 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. It involves collaborating with staff and alumni leaders to manage volunteer committees to maximize dollars and participation, securing capital and annual support from alumni for the College and other priorities, and developing class-wide fundraising plans and individual prospect strategies.

Occasional travel to survey, solicit, and coordinate top donor prospects and volunteer leaders is required. A command of basic fundraising principles, strong organizational and professional skills, experience with volunteer management, and capabilities in annual, capital, and planned giving fundraising are essential. Strong written and oral communication skills are mandatory.

• Manages Harvard College and Radcliffe College alumni classes in and out of reunion.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward top prospects in assigned classes:
• Determines solicitation strategies for Associates-level ($1,000+) asks with management input.
• Collaborates with prospect managers on prospects in their portfolio.
• Solicits leadership- and associates-level gifts.
• Enlists and manages volunteer leadership.

• Plan and manage a reunion gift campaign:
• Establishes a calendar.
• Sets goals.
• Monitors metrics.
• Reports results.
• Conducts reunion gift committee meetings and calls.
• Devises strategic social events.

• Identify, enlist, manage, and steward volunteers:
• Work with HCF management and fundraising officers to identify key class leaders.
• Guide conversations around diverse and inclusive representation.
• Enlist volunteers with clear roles and responsibilities.
• Guide volunteer committees to support FAS and HCF priorities; assign solicitations and provide resources.
• Follow up to close gifts and document pledges.
• Appropriately steward volunteers to ensure a rewarding experience.

• Collaborate with the HCF Management Team and related offices to advance fundraising objectives.
• Direct work for and mentor a shared Development Assistant.
• Collaborate on special projects with fundraising staff to support overall objectives.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities; other duties may be assigned as appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in university fundraising and administration or related transferable experience.
• Travel approximately 15-20 percent of working days; some events and weekend work required.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows and databases.
• Willingness to participate in events/campus activities such as reunions and department retreats on campus in Cambridge, MA.

• Knowledge of academic communities; demonstrated success in annual or capital giving; ability to write fundraising materials, devise cultivation and solicitation strategies, and manage events.
• Ability to motivate, engage, and work with alumni, university officials, faculty, and staff.
• Good problem-solving, confidential judgment, adaptability, and strategic thinking; ability to manage multiple projects and handle sensitive situations with tact.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of producing clear documentation.
• Excellent public speaking and written communication skills; creative, proactive, disciplined, and able to streamline work under guidance.
• Professional, confidential, honest, trustworthy, with an even disposition to interact with a diverse range of people.
• Collaborative, conscientious, and results-oriented; able to listen, influence, and persuade.

Note:

A cover letter is recommended as part of the application to provide insight into qualifications and interest in the role.

• Orientation and Review Period: 6 months
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship…