What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director, Academic and Donor Engagement position at Harvard University?
Job Summary
This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, in a hybrid environment.
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)
Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team of development professionals 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 values 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.
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). There is a unique relationship between the University and the FAS fundraising operations, resulting from a long history in which University fundraising ultimately grew out of College fundraising.
Brief Department Description
The Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FAS) Academic and Donor Engagement (ADE) team manages and implements donor engagement strategies and activities involving the FAS Dean, academic deans and faculty, and senior academic administrators and development leadership, including event programs and donor/prospect meetings. To do this, we build strategic partnerships within Development and across the FAS to coordinate donor cultivation and stewardship strategies that include faculty and senior academic leaders.
Summary
As a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Academic and Donor Engagement (ADE) team, this full-time, exempt position reports to the Director of Development, FAS ADE. The Assistant Director (AD) serves as the primary Development liaison to the FAS Dean’s Office and operates a strategic partner to both the dean’s office and the FAS Development team to advance FAS fundraising priorities through the engagement of the FAS Dean in development activity. In partnership with the Director, this position is responsible for the annual engagement strategy for the FAS Dean, with specific focus on prospect meetings, trips, and annual event plans. The Assistant Director manages the logistics for all engagement activity and ensures the FAS Dean is properly briefed in a timely and professional manner.
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)
Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team of development professionals 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 values 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.
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). There is a unique relationship between the University and the FAS fundraising operations, resulting from a long history in which University fundraising ultimately grew out of College fundraising.
Brief Department Description
The Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FAS) Academic and Donor Engagement (ADE) team manages and implements donor engagement strategies and activities involving the FAS Dean, academic deans and faculty, and senior academic administrators and development leadership, including event programs and donor/prospect meetings. To do this, we build strategic partnerships within Development and across the FAS to coordinate donor cultivation and stewardship strategies that include faculty and senior academic leaders.
Summary
As a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Academic and Donor Engagement (ADE) team, this full-time, exempt position reports to the Director of Development, FAS ADE. The Assistant Director (AD) serves as the primary Development liaison to the FAS Dean’s Office and operates a strategic partner to both the dean’s office and the FAS Development team to advance FAS fundraising priorities through the engagement of the FAS Dean in development activity. In partnership with the Director, this position is responsible for the annual engagement strategy for the FAS Dean, with specific focus on prospect meetings, trips, and annual event plans. The Assistant Director manages the logistics for all engagement activity and ensures the FAS Dean is properly briefed in a timely and professional manner.
Position Description
- Develops and advises on the annual engagement strategy for the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, with specific focus on prospect meetings, trips, and annual event plans
- Ensures that the FAS Dean’s time is optimized to advance key gift conversations in alignment with proposal pipeline and is responsible for prioritization of the engagement pipeline
- Ensures smooth, timely, and accurate information flow between development and the dean’s office while also using discretion and judgment when making requests. This role is the primary partner to the dean’s office, including the Chief of Staff and Associate Dean, as it relates to briefings, talking points, correspondence, and prioritization of the Dean’s time in development activity
- This position is responsible for providing recommendations and preparing the Dean of Development on all discussions related to the FAS Dean’s development activity
- Serves as a key planning partner for all FAS events that leverage the FAS Dean, leading the program development and strategy in alignment with the Dean’s priorities. This role will collaborate closely with partners in Events, Donor Development, The Harvard College Fund, and Development Communications
- Recruits and briefs faculty and program participants to join the FAS Dean in a select portfolio of events. This includes researching, identifying, and vetting newer faculty for participation in development programming
- In partnership with Executive Director, Development Marketing and Communications, the AD will determine the focus of and write the FAS Dean’s remarks at events in such a way that advances key fundraising priorities. This position is responsible for developing a strong understanding of the FAS Dean’s priorities and effectively communicating those through donors’ correspondence and talking points. Coordinates with the dean’s chief of staff and deputy chief of staff to ensure consistency of messaging in all dean’s communications and briefings
- Partners with colleagues across Development on the management of the FAS Dean’s Council and development of meeting program and agenda. Identifies, recruits, and prepares speakers to participate in meetings based on priority focus and meeting objectives
- Manages all development activity for the dean and ensures that the dean is properly briefed. This includes project management all aspects of trips, campus visits, and individual prospect work. Works closely with fundraisers to ensure professional and strategic briefings on individual appointments and events, as well as overall trip objectives. Reviews fundraiser briefings and writes briefings when necessary
- Directs the work of a development coordinator in the making of travel arrangements, conducting outreach, scheduling, itinerary creation, meeting prep, pipeline maintenance, data maintenance, and Advance entry. Ensures that the dean’s office is informed of travel details in a timely and accurate manner
- Project manages special projects and directs coordinator as needed related to the dean’s development efforts in partnership with key partners across FAS development. These projects might include the dean’s holiday cards, overseeing VIP email announcements from the dean, and coordinating the dean’s activities with the key volunteer leaders
- Drafts, coordinates approval for, and sends correspondence from the dean with the support of the coordinator, particularly related to trip/meeting/event follow up in coordination with prospect managers In coordination with the Assistant Director of Donor Relations, monitors dean’s development email alias account; drafts replies and shares correspondence with dean’s staff as appropriate. Drafts ad hoc correspondence as needed/requested (birthday messages, condolence notes, etc.)
- This role includes administrative duties and may include other responsibilities and projects as determined by manager
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
- A minimum of 3-5 years' relevant work experience; preferably in a fundraising and/or academic environment. Internship and work during college may be considered as part of this qualification.
- Proven ability in project management
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software
- Occasionally work additional evening, weekend hours, and limited travel.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to establish and promote good working relationships with alumni, colleagues, faculty, administrators, and students. Must be flexible and possess the ability to handle multiple tasks accurately under deadline pressure. Proven ability working in a complex organization and making informed decisions in the context of strategic organizational goals and policies. Must be able to work independently and take initiative. Must have ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.
- Must be a professional, proactive, creative, collaborative, conscientious, and results-oriented individual. Should have ability to think strategically and conceptually and display sound judgment.
- Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies, including database management.
- Must be energetic, motivated to learn, and open to change.
- Excellent speaking, writing, and client service skills required. Professional phone etiquette required.
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/.
Harvard University Benefits: Information can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards.
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.
Vaccine Requirements: Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees are required to provide proof of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.
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/.
Harvard University Benefits: Information can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards.
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.
Vaccine Requirements: Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees are required to provide proof of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development, Communications
Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
CM0057 Writer III
Sub-Unit
-
Department
Alumni Affairs and Development
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
057
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
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.
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.
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