Development Officer

Job Summary

The successful candidate will engage prospective donors and faculty and staff to develop and execute funding strategies that yield global impact. The ideal candidate has an entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, and familiarity with space‑science philanthropists. Knowledge or a capacity to learn Astronomy and telescope topics and the aptitude to converse about Harvard’s work in this area is essential.

• Secure funding for research projects and public engagement, focusing on the Giant Magellan Telescope and other HCO endeavors. Approach philanthropic engagement with a donor‑focused lens, manage a portfolio of primarily six‑ to eight‑figure prospects, and develop solicitation strategies.
• Generate proposals and gift documentation; collaborate with HCO and AA&D on recognition, stewardship plans, and stewardship reports.
• Serve as Astronomy subject‑matter expert in Harvard University’s development organization. Advise communication and engagement strategies and inform the case for support and gift opportunities.
• Manage communications with donors, alumni, and patrons of the HCO and serve as a resource for fundraisers and donors with questions about Astronomy.
• Identify prospects—including individuals, foundations, and corporations—using the Development Officer’s network and networks of faculty and alumni in the Department of Astronomy. Qualify prospects through personal interaction and connect them to faculty and academic leadership.
• In coordination with other FAS/UNV development events, advise and manage the development and implementation of select HCO events that engage potential donors and patrons.
• Coordinate with fellow fundraisers across AA&D on outreach to alumni and other previously affiliated prospects, recording interactions with all external entities.
• Build strong working relationships with centrally based colleagues in FAS Development and other school‑based fundraising partners; work openly and collaboratively with fundraiser partners on shared prospects.
• Manage involvement of the HCO Director and Astronomy faculty members in fundraising, including preparing visit briefings, staffing donor meetings, and arranging appropriate follow‑up.
• Travel nationally and internationally to staff visits with the HCO Director, Executive Director, and selected faculty for donor engagement and events.
• Ensure compliance with Harvard University prospect management and gift acceptance processes and policies.
• Maintain accurate contact reports and prospect records in the alumni database to ensure cross‑departmental and school transparency and effectiveness.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and travel as needed.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid as directed by FAS.
• The selected candidate will need to be on campus in Cambridge, MA as business needs require. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business.

• Working on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Sitting or standing at a desk for prolonged periods.
• Moving around event spaces (setup/teardown, pushing/pulling carts with event materials up to 50 lbs., and climbing ladders).
• Climbing stairs or steps (when at 60 Garden Street).
• Must provide own transportation to meet local donors.

• Minimum of eight years of successful, progressively responsible development experience.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Understanding of or interest in Astronomy and Astrophysics fields.
• Preference for background in building new programs and new relationships.
• Track record of meeting ambitious development goals.
• Demonstrated success in major and principal gift fundraising, including science‑based fundraising with a preference for experience in higher‑education fundraising.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, collaboration, and academic curiosity.
• Collaborative problem solver with an entrepreneurial approach to designing creative donor engagement strategies.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; provide…