
Job Information
Harvard University Associate Director, FAS Donor Relations in Cambridge, Massachusetts
62460BRAuto req ID:62460BRJob Code:CM0058 Writer IV Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Associate Director, FAS Donor RelationsSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :058Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; master’s degree preferred
Five to seven years of professional experience; experience in higher education donor relations or fundraising preferred
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Professional project management, writing, editing, and/or proofreading experience preferred
Professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Able to deal effectively and diplomatically with people from different backgrounds, experience levels, and in all types of situations.
Demonstrated capability to evaluate problems accurately, make decisions independently, and display good, sound, and confidential judgment.
Superb writing and editing skills, with a strong command of English grammar.
A sophisticated understanding of stewardship and donor relations.
Strong research, analytical, and creative skills; accuracy and attentiveness to detail. Resourcefulness in obtaining information and in overcoming obstacles to carry out assignments.
Excellent organizational skills and leadership skills, with project management experience. Must be able to prioritize work appropriately. Must have the ability to work independently on multiple tasks, adapt to and deal effectively with conflicting and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate strong work ethic and ability to take initiative.
Excellent computer skills; proficient or able to gain proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe InDesign, FileMaker Pro, and other database programs. Ability to successfully utilize Ellucian CRM Advance.
Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and communication skills are essential. Must be able to develop good relationships with members of the University community. Must exercise skill and tact in obtaining information from faculty members and other members in the Harvard community.
Proven ability to manage high-level programs and projects and think strategically about complex issues. Able to generate innovate ideas and solutions to problems.
Demonstrates customer (donor/fundraiser) focus with mastery of customer service skills.
Proven ability to make presentations effectively, lead and participate in meetings, gain the commitment of others, and communicate in a leadership environment.
A wide-ranging knowledge of current affairs, particularly in higher education and research, plus curiosity, imagination, and a genuine interest in the ongoing affairs of the University.
Additional Information:
This position requires a 3 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.Department:Alumni Affairs and DevelopmentPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:Alumni Affairs and Development, CommunicationsPosition Description:
Stewardship Reporting. Manages stewardship for FAS Professorships and other restricted funds. Maintains a portfolio of 125+ funds and will create and execute strategic stewardship plans, including annual stewardship reporting. Conducts research on new and existing funds as necessary to write informative and engaging stewardship reports for the FAS Dean and other faculty and administrators to sign, adapting writing style to conform to the appropriate voices. Utilizes all resources available (Advance, FileMaker Pro, FAS Donor Relations colleagues, central files, publications, professional contacts, etc.) to complete comprehensive research on donors, philanthropy, faculty, departments, and other topics of interest. Coordinates with other stewardship officers on consolidated high priority reports. Recruits and trains other members of the team to assist with research and writing as needed and manages their work on a project basis to ensure timely completion of annual reporting portfolio. Ensures that reports adhere to the highest levels of quality and visual presentation. 40%
Donor Relations Issues and Ad Hoc Stewardship. Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with administrative officials, particularly FAS and SEAS Faculty Affairs, as well as gift officers. Advises Faculty Affairs on donor relations issues and ensures that gift money is fully utilized to benefit Harvard. Ensures that funds are being used according to donors’ intentions and consults with campus partners on the development of administrative plans for unique incremental gifts. Has frequent contact with administrators, faculty members, and personnel of AA&D to generate interest and participation in stewardship programs. Drives the resolution of complex donor relations and stewardship issues in collaboration with fundraisers and administrators, with minimal direction. Stays current with activities of assigned professors, sharing relevant breaking news (i.e. a book publication) with donors in a timely fashion. Documents activity in Advance. 30%
Principal Gifts Stewardship. Assists the Senior Associate Director in working with gift officers to ensure that our most generous donors are stewarded appropriately and comprehensively on their FAS funds, collaborating to create dynamic visual reports and strategic, tailored plans for recognition and communication. Explores and develops new ways of providing stewardship in addition to reporting, such as special events or experiences, video stewardship, social media, or other emerging platforms to engage and inform Principal Gifts donors. 15%
Procedures, Management, and Quality Control. Adheres to all departmental and University policies and procedures. Maintains style and operational manuals for processes of position. Ensures that all donor communications have been proofread and reviewed by appropriate gift officers; proofreads reports for team members as necessary. Utilizes InDesign templates for visual storytelling and Communications Creative Services for design support as needed. Responsible for maintaining an accurate comprehensive filing and tracking system for stewardship activity. Manages project staff assisting with narrative reports with potential to grow management duties. Attends and participates in departmental, FAS, and AA&D staff meetings. Maintains professional knowledge through contact with colleagues and by attending related conferences. 15%
Other duties as needed or required.
School/Unit:Alumni Affairs and Development 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.Working Conditions:Workplace role requirements outside of campus-based engagements required by AA&D/team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc. You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA. We will do our best to give you up to 2-weeks’ notice with these situations.
- For those interested in remote work, this position can be performed as fully remote. AA&D does require visits to Cambridge for on or around campus-based engagements required by AA&D leadership, your team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
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).
Donor Relations in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)—SEAS, GSAS, and Harvard College—is responsible for communicating with donors about the positive impact of their gifts and demonstrating Harvard’s fiscal responsibility through narrative and financial reporting, recognition programs, acknowledgments, custom touches for top donors, and personal connections between donors and those who benefit from their generosity.
This full-time exempt position is responsible for the independent management of stewardship communications and strategy for donors who have established Professorships and other restricted funds, with content expertise in specified priority fundraising areas within the FAS. The Associate Director will research and write descriptive narrative reports under the signature of the FAS Dean and other administrators; drive the resolution of complex donor relations issues while involving appropriate senior managers and fundraising staff; develop, document, and implement donor-centric, tailored stewardship plans for FAS Principal Gifts donors; build, implement, manage, and enhance stewardship programs; explore and implement new stewardship mechanisms; communicate with staff regarding donors’ intentions and adherence to gift terms; and ensure the use of Ellucian CRM Advance to track activity. Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with administrators and fundraisers are a critical part of the position. The position requires superb project management and people skills, as well as writing, editing, interviewing, research, word processing, interpersonal, organizational, and creative thinking skills. In addition, a proven ability to think strategically, solve problems, and generate innovative ideas is needed. Also important are a strong customer focus, a demonstrated ability to build relationships, solid presentation skills, and an ability to gain commitment from others and communicate effectively in a leadership environment.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.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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