Job Summary

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)
Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard's advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.

Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.

AA&D is comprised of the University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) Development is responsible for the fundraising efforts supporting the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, including Harvard College, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. FAS Development staff work with Harvard College donors, alumni, parents, and friends who provide critical support for the FAS and often for other parts of the University.

The Director, Academic and Development Planning (ADP) leads the team charged with the development of all supporting documents for the translation of academic priorities into fundraising priorities, as well as proposals for donors in line with FAS fundraising priorities. The Director works with FAS Development leadership and academic and administrative partners in the FAS to translate academic priorities into fundraising plans, including the development of concept and white papers and any associated research, the translation of financial plans into fundraising goals and gift opportunities, and feasibility studies with both internal and external stakeholders. The Director also manages the daily operations of the Academic and Development Planning team.

Position Description

• Independently works with academic and administrative leaders to gather the information and guidance necessary to inform proposals, gift opportunities and concept papers for prospect solicitations and fundraising priority development. Must be able to call on knowledge of the inner-workings of the academy and financial needs acquired through these partnerships to work with fundraisers to create sophisticated strategies to blend donor interests with FAS priorities and needs. Must be able to synthesize ideas from academic and administrative leaders with feedback from volunteers, donors, and fundraising staff to create compelling and authentic cases and proposals in support of FAS priorities.
• Manages team and serves as lead content developer and project manager for FAS priorities-related materials. Oversees and allocates writing assignments to staff ensuring timely and compelling completion of projects related to presenting the FAS priorities to donors. Oversees structure and staffing of the team.
• Maintains and proactively updates the FAS Multiyear Fundraising Plan, which serves as the primary document to outline FAS Development's fundraising priorities and platform. Works with FAS Development leadership to facilitate annual goal-setting processes for FAS Fundraising priorities and updates the FAS Development team. Supports work with the academic deans to ensure alignment with annual fundraising goals.
• Works with fundraising leaders to implement feasibility studies on emerging priorities. Directs project management of feasibility work and ensures coordination with FAS Development staff and academic partners.
• Leads the creation and implementation of compelling gift opportunities programs and ensures they are coordinated with stewardship and recognition programs, in partnership with the Director of Donor Relations and other stewardship staff. Collaborates with communications colleagues on content, accuracy, and depth of marketing and communications materials on the FAS priorities.
• Researches and drafts compelling and accurate gift proposals for officers to present to prospective donors. Supervises ADP proposal-writers/assistant directors in the creation of gift proposals and other marketing materials and ensures quality and timeliness. Oversees workflow and project assignments and ensures timely and high-quality response.
• Oversees the development and compelling presentation of all naming opportunities to support fundraising for priority construction projects, and liaises with academic partners, architects, and FAS planning staff to ensure accuracy of all materials in line with building plans.
• Directs the creation of training materials for fundraisers for gift priorities in collaboration with the FAS Development training team on fundraising priorities and gift opportunities.
• Is proactive in procuring information and producing documents that could assist fundraising officers in the field.
• Provides advice and counsel to fundraisers and senior staff about gift naming opportunities.
• Undertakes FAS priorities-based projects, such as the coordination of ad hoc committees and responsibility for evaluative projects.
• Attends required FAS training sessions, meetings, and events. Attends other training sessions, conferences, and workshops as necessary.
• Works on special projects as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• BA required and a minimum of 10 years' experience in relevant fields.
• Fundraising, development communications, and/or management experience preferred.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Able to take direction regarding overarching narratives for written materials and augment with relevant research and new ideas through own initiative and creativity. Must be able to direct and delegate the creation of supporting documents for fundraising and be able to edit and provide constructive feedback that ensures documents support organizational objectives.
• Must have strong research skills and ability to interact with wide range of stakeholders to gather relevant data with tact, diplomacy, and persistence.
• Must have ability to discern key data to support arguments and to display visually.
• Must be highly collaborative, team-focused and able to move projects forward with independence. Must be able to develop and supervise a high-performing team, and coach and mentor for success and professional growth. Must be able to manage diverse teams and create a sense of safety and belonging to ensure optimal performance.
• Must be flexible, mature, intellectually curious, passionate about learning and furthering the FAS's mission in education and research and dedicated to being part of and contributing to an inclusive workplace and environment.
• Experience in higher education and large research universities a plus.
• Computer literacy required. Knowledge of Excel required.

Additional Information

• This position requires a 6 month orientation and review period.
• Please include a cover letter with your application.

Why AA&D?
We are a dedicated team of 400 alumni affairs and development professionals supporting Harvard's advancement activity through roles that include front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, events, communications, prospect management and research, business process, talent management and many other areas.

Harvard's Alumni Affairs and Development team inspires and galvanizes alumni, friends, and members of the University community to support Harvard through philanthropy, governance, and active engagement. AA&D believes a workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and our ever-evolving University constituency makes us a stronger and more effective organization. Our goal is to create an environment of respect that values the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community, to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work, and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. AA&D strives to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, innovation and sharing of information in our daily interactions and our work.

To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.harvard.edu/.

Accommodations: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know.

COVID 19 Vaccination Information:
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Remote


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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