Director of Development

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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Summary:

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) is committed to securing the financial resources, time, and loyalty of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations to promote the School’s work of educating new generations of global health leaders and producing powerful ideas that can transform the lives of people everywhere.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Development, the Director of Development (the Director) works within an entrepreneurial and dynamic School environment and closely collaborates with faculty, senior school administrators and University development colleagues to independently manage a portfolio of prospects who have the capacity to give $250,000 or more, secure funding for School priorities, and meet or exceed department revenue goals. The Director is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift prospects in assigned regions. The Director will also play a leadership role in the annual strategy planning process, take on additional related projects, and recommend strategies to enhance fundraising in collaboration with senior staff and Harvard Chan colleagues, as well as Alumni Affairs and Development more broadly at Harvard. The incumbent will represent Harvard Chan School at events, meetings, and off-site presentations and will engage in extensive travel to meet with prospects and donors.

This position will contribute to meeting and exceeding department revenue goals by developing and executing prospect strategies, cultivating and stewarding prospects and donors and directly soliciting gifts. This position will also advise and work closely with faculty, leaders in School departments, centers and/or research programs to further their fundraising strategy in alignment with broad School priorities. The successful candidate will be a team player who collaborates freely and builds trust with donors, alumni, friends and school partners, including but not limited to the Office of Communications, Office for Research Strategy and Development and the University Alumni Affairs and Development team.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages a portfolio of 100-125 prospects in assigned regions and at various stages of their relationship. Travels approximately 50% of the time (local Boston and nationally as assigned). Some international travel may be required pending portfolio assignments.
• Develops appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy to enhance retention, grow revenue, and improve donor advancement. Will be required to meet annual individual revenue and moves management goals.
• - Makes a minimum of 100 visits annually. Qualifies, progresses, and cultivates newly identified prospects and evaluates major gift potential and next steps. As needed, utilizes email, digital, and phone outreach to meaningfully contact prospects outside of typical travel areas.
• In collaboration with the University Planned Giving office, develops educational marketing materials for donors and prospects, and participates in internal team training on planned giving trends and tax implications. Ensures compliance with University polices and guidelines.  
• Coordinates closely with faculty and administrators to provide guidance on, and help implement, fundraising strategy.
• Works strategically with volunteers to encourage them to build bridges and utilize their networks to help Harvard Chan School develop stronger relationships with other prominent alumni and friends. 
• Drafts briefings and correspondence for faculty and School leader, including the Dean.
• Works with the Vice Dean, Managing Director and ODAR colleagues to strategize and plan development trips. Coordinates all aspects of development travel including prospect identification and follow-up correspondence. Drafts contact reports.
• Staffs faculty or senior administrators in meetings with donors. 
• Works with prospect management and research to ensure research and due diligence is completed.
• Works with the ODAR development communications staff to ensure talking points are written for the Dean or other senior administrators for speaking engagements.
• Drafts gift proposals and other materials with support from development communications and donor relations staff as needed.
• Works closely with other Major Gift Officers, Alumni Affairs and other ODAR colleagues in the development of on-campus events and programs that will lead to increased high-level involvement of alumni, donors and friends.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of this position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

PLEASE NOTE: A cover letter is required for consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE: This role will require approximately 50% travel, mostly domestically, but may have the opportunity for some international travel as well. The role may occasionally require evening and weekend work to ensure smooth execution of events.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 8+ years of relevant experience is required.
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written.
• Advanced understanding of fundraising. Work well in a busy office with competing demands; not easily flustered nor easily overwhelmed by a high volume of activity and projects.
• Proven aptitude for successfully managing a robust portfolio, including setting priorities that enable meeting fundraising and visit goals.
• Demonstrated track record in soliciting and closing six-and seven-figure gifts in a complex environment.
• Experience working with a diverse constituency.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office and experience learning new software quickly.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• International fundraising experience is a plus.
• Integrity and trust with a demonstrated knowledge in managing highly confidential information.
• Aptitude for creative problem solving.
• Proficiency in analyzing and explaining data.
• Experience with planned giving terms and strategies and the knowledge for guiding, collaborating and advising colleagues in planned giving preferred.

• 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, Education

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country! 

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions. 

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings. 

• This position has a 180 day orientation and review period.  

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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. 

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 059. 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.