Job Summary

Position Description

• Work closely with the Development Office, HGSE and University staff, faculty, researchers, students, and donors to produce compelling content that connects current and prospective supporters to the HGSE mission and demonstrates the impact of giving.
• Develop deep content knowledge of the School's programs and priorities, and serve as a resource on those areas for the Development Office and HGSE colleagues.
• Cultivate an understanding of individual donor priorities, and ensure that reporting and messaging aligns with their interests and philanthropic wishes. Craft meaningful and timely donor acknowledgements and reports.
• Produce content that is creative, audience specific, and balances academics and marketing.
• Write and prepare annual fund appeals. Work closely with internal and external vendors to prepare appeals for print and email distribution.
• Work with HGSE staff to ensure the sharing of information, consistent messaging, and to avoid duplication of effort and resources. Maintain a library of information and assets.
• Drive multiple projects to completion while meeting editorial deadlines. Establish priorities and target dates for information gathering, writing, review, and approval.
• Conduct research and interviews with internal and external stakeholders to acquire information quickly and accurately. Seek and vet materials with appropriate academic, administrative, and development leadership.
• Write with a consistent quality, tone and style and ensure adherence to HGSE and Harvard standards for content, graphics, and design. Use strong editorial judgement and skills in writing, proofreading, and editing.
• Undertake various fundraising- and stewardship-related projects as needed, and contribute to the planning, processes and policies that support the Development Office.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

Basic Qualifications

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in communications with extensive responsibility for writing
• Track record of efficiently researching new topics, synthesizing complex information, and translating those concepts into written materials
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail
• Comfort working effectively across silos, collaborating with multiple departments as well as with external stakeholders
• Ability to juggle multiple time-sensitive projects and adjust to changing priorities
• Strong strategic thinking, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit
• Interest in education and willingness to stay on top of news in the field   
• Annual fund experience a plus

Working Conditions

Additional Information

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

Benefits

• 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

About Harvard University Graduate School of Education

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Connections working at Harvard University Graduate School of Education