Managing Director of Development, Major Gifts, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
07-Oct-2024
Managing Director of Development, Major Gifts, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Alumni Affairs and Development
67097BR
Job Summary
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)
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 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).
This opportunity is part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Development team and will complement an existing spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship, along with a culture of aspirational thinking in support of a strong mission. The Managing Director for the Office of Major Gifts, a full-time exempt position, reports to the Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts and serves as a leader and fundraiser on the team. The incumbent will lead a successful team which not only generates philanthropic support from their assigned portfolios but also contributes to a culture that includes celebration, innovation, risk-taking, and best practices. As a strong collaborator and team leader, this person will work closely with the other Managing Directors, Major Gifts, and the entire FAS Development Team to lead a strategic and high-performing Associate Director cohort. In addition to management responsibilities, this person will also carry a portfolio. As a fundraiser, they will cultivate and support long-term relationships with donors, and partner with colleagues across FAS Development to maximize philanthropic support of the FAS through creative and effective fundraising strategies.
Position Description
- Serve as a leader, resource, and mentor for a team of Associate Director level fundraising professionals. Leverage their fundraising experience, as well as their knowledge of FAS and content acquired through their prospect work, to create effective prospect strategies.
- Manage all day-to-day aspects for the Associate Directors, including weekly 1:1 meetings, ensuring gift officers are tracking towards their goals using metrics as one tool to celebrate successes and opportunities. Give consistent, timely feedback and positive reinforcement to foster a culture of learning and development. Strategize with the Associate Directors on prospect strategies and join Associate Directors on prospect meetings periodically.
- In partnership with the other managers on the Donor Development team, assess training needs, implement individualized training and development plans and curriculum utilizing internal and external resources to provide education and professional development opportunities for gift officers.
- Collaborate with colleagues in Research and Prospect Management to determine appropriate portfolios for the Associate Director team.
- Collaborate with the Harvard College Fund and Planned Giving colleagues and ensure the Associate Director team is leveraging the reunion model and gift planning opportunities in their conversations with prospects.
- Manage a small portfolio of prospects (rated $1M-9.9M) at various stages of their relationship with Harvard. This includes prospect strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Lead the development and execution of strategies with these prospects and ensure that relevant FAS colleagues are consistently involved and informed.
- Other appropriate duties that arise.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in university fundraising or relevant transferable experience required.
- Ability to travel approximately 35% of working days.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Has ability to think strategically and innovatively, to develop new ideas, and to gain stakeholder buy-in, which results in the successful execution of plans and programs.
- Is committed to an organizational culture of collaboration and respect. Possesses a supportive and accessible leadership style which inspires individuals to hold themselves to the highest expectations. Has the ability to lead and motivate direct reports and to lead with influence across different departments.
- Willingness to learn and embrace new ideas and be flexible and open to change. Must be a professional, confidential, honest and trustworthy person. Must have an even disposition and be able to deal effectively and politely with people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of difficult or challenging situations. Must be able to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound judgment.
- Is agile, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity. Models a positive and calm response to challenges and change. Is committed to continuous improvement and growth, personally, and for their team.
- Knowledge of complex academic institutions and experience staffing academic leaders in development work required.
- Highly sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of fundraising best practices including outreach, solicitation, and stewardship approaches and is comfortable making the ask.
- Proven track record of significant gift closures and/or relevant transferable experience strongly preferred.
- Has ability to respectfully and adeptly communicate, interact, and facilitate conversations with high-level prospects and donors.
- Is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Strong active listening skills, including an ability to ask sensitive questions with tact. Demonstrated ability to uncover interests, motivations, and objections from prospective donors, clients, or others strongly preferred. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write persuasively and to quickly develop strong relationships with internal and external constituencies to promote a positive and effective collaboration to ensure success.
- Superb organizational skills and an ability to think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle difficult situations with patience and a sense of humor.
- Computer literacy required and experience with Windows-based PCs and prospect management databases.
Additional Information
- This position requires a 6 month orientation and review period.
- Please include a cover letter with your application.
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/.
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.
COVID 19 Vaccination Information: 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 is eligible for 100% remote work. Employees may work from any 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.
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.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
302059 Development Manager
Work Format
Remote
Sub-Unit
------------
Salary Grade
059
Department
Alumni Affairs and Development
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
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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