Development Officer

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth

C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

The successful candidate will engage prospective donors and Harvard faculty and staff in developing and executing funding strategies that yield global impact. The ideal candidate will have a track record of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, and familiarity with a network of space science philanthropists. Important to the success of this position is knowledge of or ability to learn Astronomy and telescope topics, and the aptitude to learn quickly and be conversant about Harvard’s work in this area.

With the support of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), Harvard scholars tackle scientific challenges in the classroom, at telescopes and in the laboratory. Their work not only advances cutting‑edge space science, but also informs and influences government, industry, civil society, and communities, helping to shape the future of the field.

Reporting to the Director of the HCO and working in close coordination with colleagues in Harvard University Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), the Development Officer will spend approximately 80 percent of time actively fundraising for the Giant Magellan Telescope and other HCO activities, with 20 percent of time spent on administrative duties. This individual will develop strategies to introduce the HCO to new prospects;

qualify their interest and capacity to give; and develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned donors. The individual will develop and cultivate relationships with existing HCO donors and patrons. The individual will advise and manage the development and implementation of select HCO events that serve to engage potential donors and patrons. The position will partner closely with the Director of HCO and the Executive Director of HCO.

The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record of success in fundraising from unaffiliated prospects, or for programs without inherent constituencies. This individual must have a strong foundation in research and donor discovery work, and an ability to translate and convey complex scientific concepts to donors. Also important to the success of this position is deep and broad knowledge of or ability to rapidly develop deep and broad knowledge of astronomy issues and the various perspectives and nuances of the astrophysics field across many sub‑disciplines, and the aptitude to learn quickly and be conversant about Harvard’s work in this area.

Extensive travel may be required to accomplish these goals.

• Secure funding for research projects, and public engagement, focusing on the Giant Magellan Telescope and other endeavors of the HCO. Approach philanthropic engagement with a donor‑focused lens and listen for interests that match the needs of the HCO. Manage a portfolio of primarily six, seven, and eight‑figure prospects. Engage prospects and develop solicitation strategies. Match donor interest with funding priorities. Generate proposals and gift documentation.
  
  Work with colleagues in the HCO and AA&D on recognition and stewardship plans and craft…