Development Assistant, Major Gifts

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.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

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.

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACEDR), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).

Job Summary:

The Development Assistant 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. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in building their career within higher education and learn more about alumni affairs and development.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Provides support to all aspects of fundraisers’ prospect management, including data gathering, input and maintenance; drafting prospect outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
• Develops and prepares necessary meeting and solicitation materials prior to prospect meetings and supports post-meeting action items.
• Achieves proficiency in the alumni/donor database to research prospects, organize data and produce reports. Enters data in an accurate and timely manner. 
• Partners with gift officers to write high quality event briefings, event bios, and donor briefings. 
• Maintains various reports to ensure accurate and current information on gift and donor totals, solicitation status, and prospects. Produces reports and lists using the Advance and Qlikview databases. 
• Coordinates officers’ travel and expense reports in a timely manner; schedules meetings and maintains calendars; takes and distributes meeting notes and performs other administrative responsibilities as needed. 
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders such as donors and/or alumni both domestically and internationally with guidance from manager. 
• Cultivates favorable relationships and works closely throughout the year with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to help accomplish department and team goals.
• May help facilitate communications with various FAS constituents from the officers. 
• Serves as a resource for policies, protocols and procedures and strategizes ways for fundraising efforts to be more efficient and productive. 
• May be asked to provide additional support for the broader Major Gifts team and FAS Development during times of peak activity or staff transition. Works closely with other members of the support team to advance the goals of the department. 
• 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. 

Working Conditions:

Workplace role requirements outside of campus-based engagements required by AA&D/team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc.  We will do our best to give you up to 2 weeks’ notice of these situations.  

Basic Qualifications:

• 1–2 years of related experience (education may count toward experience).

• Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management, mail merges, and report generation.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.

• Available to work additional evening hours if necessary.

• You will be expected to attend meetings, work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• College degree from an accredited institution strongly preferred. 

• Must be focused, motivated to learn, and flexible to change. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, understand and follow policies and procedures, and accommodate change. Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• The position requires good judgement, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion. 

• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work competently and efficiently in a multi-task environment. 

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Requires the ability to accurately proofread and edit correspondence. 

• Strong interpersonal skills that include excellent phone manner and personal presentation. Experience interacting with corporate executives and senior-level staff preferred. Knowledge of fundraising in a non-profit setting helpful.

Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

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.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.