Development Assistant, Major Gifts

Development Assistant

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.

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

The Development Assistant (DA) is an integral member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) development team. This full-time non-exempt position supports frontline gift officers to advance the philanthropic mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Job Summary : 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). Job-specific responsibilities include :

• Achieves proficiency in the alumni / donor databases such as Advance, Qlik, and Workfront to research prospects, enter and organize data, and produce reports
• Regularly manages updates to the alumni / donor databases to ensure all information is entered accurately and timely.
• Provides support to all aspects of the fundraisers prospect management process including (but not limited to) data gathering and maintenance; drafting prospect outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports; scheduling meetings, preparing meeting materials and follow-up action items, and drafting follow-up notes to stakeholders.
• Partners with gift officers to write high quality donor briefings for meetings with the President, Deans, Provost, Faculty, and other staff.
• Proactively develops and prepares necessary meeting and solicitation materials prior to prospect meetings and is responsible for supporting post meeting follow-up, including submitting contact / visit reports.
• Coordinates gift officers' travel arrangements, reimbursements, and expenses in collaboration with the budget office.
• Maintains calendar for the gift officers, organizes meetings, and takes and distributes notes.
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders such as donors and / or alumni both domestically and internationally.
• Serves as a resource for policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Strategizes new and creative ways for fundraising efforts to be more efficient and productive. Builds relationships and collaborates with other departmental teams including (but not limited to) the University Development Office, Harvard College Fund, Communications, Events, Alumni Development Services, Development Technology Services, and the Harvard Alumni Association.
• Participates in various team and staff meetings throughout the year and is an engaged member of the team
• Provides other job-related duties as required.

Basic qualifications include :

Additional qualifications and skills include :

Standard hours / schedule : 35 hours per week

Orientation and review period : 3 months

Visa sponsorship information : Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-employment screening : Identity

Other information : Please include a cover letter with your application. To learn more about AA&D and our team, please visit us here!

Work format details : This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary grade and ranges : This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits : Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to :

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO / Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement : Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.