Associate Director of Development – Leadership Giving

Company Description

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 the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development raises philanthropic gifts in support of the Harvard Graduation School of Education’s mission of preparing leaders in education and generating knowledge to improve student opportunity, achievement, and success.

The Associate Director will focus on raising flexible support that enables HGSE to deliver on its mission, managing a portfolio of prospects that includes those who are, or have the potential to become, leadership level donors ($10,000-$25,000 annually or $100,000- $250,000 multiyear pledges).  The Associate Director will develop and manage a portfolio of ~200 donors/potential donors through all stages of donor engagement.

The Associate Director of Development is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and limited guidance to develop multi-step prospect strategies to secure gifts. These strategies may require collaboration with colleagues in other Harvard schools to engage donors interested in HGSE’s work. In addition, the Associate Director will be creative in identifying new potential donors beyond the traditional HGSE and Harvard donor base.

This position requires a bias for action and making the ask, a high level of organization, professionalism, and mastery of the objectives of leadership gift/flexible use fundraising. 

Success will be measured by the incumbent’s ability to move donors from qualification to cultivation to solicitation and close leadership gifts.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies for increasing leadership giving for funding around priority areas.
• Identify and qualify potential donors—in collaboration with our AA&D Research Team colleagues—and work with donors at every stage of engagement.
• Move prospects toward solicitation and completes assigned solicitations on the agreed upon timeline. This includes conducting at least 125 one-on-one visits and building toward securing 20 (twenty) $25,000+ commitments toward HGSE priorities annually.
• Travel with and provide staffing support for the Dean and members of the faculty on behalf of fundraising efforts.
• In collaboration with others, plans and executes select events related to the cultivation, solicitation and/or stewardship of leadership gift prospects and donors.
• Write briefings, proposals, donor correspondence and updates that shape and reflect fundraising strategies, with support and collaboration from colleagues.
• Serve as a member of the Development team by participating in group strategy discussions, providing project leadership when requested by management, sharing information with colleagues and contributing to the achievement of the overall goals of HGSE.
• Through effective sharing of information and building of trust, collaborate with colleagues across the University to identify and engage alumni of other Schools who would be interested in the work of HGSE.
• In concert with the overall fundraising needs for HGSE, works periodically on special projects in collaboration with the development and communications colleagues.  
• Achieve annual performance metrics including visit targets and funding goals to be set each year.
• Works with Development Coordinator to keep track of plans and outreach in the AA&D database, to ensure transparency and effective pipeline management. Provide timely follow-up and debriefs after meetings.
• Actively build knowledge of HGSE and relationships with colleagues across the School by attending campus events and activities, reading HGSE publications and pursuing other avenues for professional learning and growth.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and/or related field where skills are easily transferable, including direct solicitation. 
• Willingness and ability to travel roughly 40% of the time (and conduct effective meetings over video and phone, when necessary. Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Applicants wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume and indicate meeting basic qualifications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in individual donor fundraising and volunteer management. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of both higher education and philanthropy, and bring a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and a genuine passion for HGSE’s mission.
• Must be an innovative and creative strategic contributor with strong listening skills and the ability to collaborate and persuade.
• Proven interpersonal skills with ability to build and strengthen diverse relationships; motivate, engage and work with donors and volunteers, School and University leaders, faculty, and staff. 
• Strong results orientation and proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals. 
• Superb organizational, prioritization, public speaking, presentation, written and oral communication skills. Due to frequent interaction with high level donors, senior administrators and faculty, the candidate must maintain confidential information and use sound judgment.
• Ability to operate both autonomously and in a team, understanding individual success as part of a larger team’s success, with high levels of professionalism, collegiality and self-motivation.
• Computer literacy required; must have experience with Window and databases.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $100,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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 058. 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.