Job Information
Harvard University Associate Director of Donor Relations and Communications in Cambridge, Massachusetts
66134BRAuto req ID:66134BRJob Code:302058 Development Manager Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Associate Director of Donor Relations and CommunicationsSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :058Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 7+ years working in roles related to higher education, donor relations, development communications or a related field.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading experience.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of colleagues across all levels of the school and within an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Proven success in planning, organizing, and executing projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple tasks, prioritize work appropriately, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Well-honed writing, editing, research, and analytical skills.
An interest in design, design education, and the role of the GSD at the University and in the design and professional fields in which the School plays a leadership role.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Able to treat confidential information with a high level of discretion.
Proven capability to evaluate problems accurately and display good judgment. Ability to anticipate unexpected issues and needs to carry out assignments.
Knowledge of and interest in staying current in donor relations best practices.
Desire to manage and mentor a senior coordinator.
Demonstrated expertise in using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Advance CRM/database, and reporting platforms.
Additional Information: 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.
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.
For more information about Harvard GSD see: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/
Department:Development and Alumni RelationsPre-Employment Screening:Identity Job Function:Alumni Affairs and Development, Communications, General AdministrationPosition Description:
Proactively and in close collaboration with the fundraising team, develops and manages a comprehensive and individualized stewardship program for GSD donors, including customized reports, broad-based communications, opportunistic stewardship touchpoints, special recognition events, publications, and other creative activities that acknowledge and demonstrate impact.
Manages annual stewardship reporting for endowed and current-use funds. Creates compelling and meaningful reports for top donors based on school content. Conducts research and interviews students, faculty, and staff on the use of funds. Manages the design, production, distribution, and ongoing refinement of the reporting process.
Works closely with the Managing Director of Development to ensure that donors at all scales are being properly stewarded in accordance with individual cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Manages and oversees the work of the Senior Donor Relations Coordinator to confirm acknowledgments and recognition efforts enhance the overall Donor Relations strategy and align with fundraising priorities.
Serves as co-content editor of Alumni & Giving webpages to manage and enhance content for prospects, donors, and alumni.
Partners with the Director on email, print, and other communications to alumni and friends.
Monitors activities related to donors and the outcomes of their gifts and seeks high-level opportunities for ad hoc, opportunistic stewardship to engage donors.
Works closely with the Director of Operations & Administration and coordinates with Finance and Academic Administration colleagues to research fund status and monitor for compliance with fund terms and donor intent.
Develops and maintains accurate and comprehensive information on strategic stewardship plans for individual donors and all funds reported on. Independently manages all relevant reporting schedules and stewardship files.
Coordinates with the frontline team and University Planned Giving Office on planned giving communications and stewardship.
Utilizes internal database and reporting platforms to run and analyze donor and gift reports.
Liaises with the Engagement Team in planning and executing donor recognition events.
Benchmarks with peer institutions on donor relations best practices to stay informed and build relationships with colleagues across campus.
Participates in and/or supports departmental and school-wide activities, committees, and events as needed.
School/Unit:Harvard Graduate School of Design 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.Physical Requirements: Position involves frequent use of computer keyboard and mouse.
Working Conditions: This is a hybrid position that is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One or more days a week is required for on-site work; additional on-site days will be scheduled based on the needs of this position. This position will occasionally require evening and weekend work.
All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Must have employment authorization to work in the United States. We regret that we cannot offer sponsorship for a VISA. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Job Summary: As an integral member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the Associate Director of Donor Relations and Communications develops and executes a strategic and comprehensive program to steward donors to the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD). Reporting to the Director of Development Communications , this position forges and amplifies relationships between top donors and the GSD through customized reports, communications, opportunistic stewardship touchpoints, special recognition events, and other activities that acknowledge and demonstrate impact.
By working closely with gift officers and involving key stakeholders across the school, this position is vital in driving donor relations efforts and ensuring the GSD’s fundraising success. To be effective in this work, the incumbent must become deeply engaged in the school’s design pedagogy and content and be a skilled relationship builder with faculty, staff, students, and donors. This position supervises the Senior Donor Relations Coordinator.
This position is based in Cambridge and requires on-campus work one or more days a week.
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:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-LP1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.