Development Assistant, Harvard College Fund

25-May-2023

Alumni Affairs and Development

62528BR

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).

FAS Development is responsible for the fundraising efforts supporting the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, including Harvard College, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. FAS Development staff work with donors, alumni, parents, and friends who provide critical support for the FAS and often for other parts of the University.

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.

Position Description

The list below covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. However, it does not exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

• Organizes, compiles, and helps create all necessary meeting and solicitation materials.
• Enters data into the alumni/donor database consistently and in a timely manner to track prospect movement, volunteer activity, event attendance, etc. Collaborates with the Operations team as needed.
• Maintains various tracking reports to assure accurate and current information on gift and donor totals, solicitation status, and prospects. Produces reports and lists using the Advance and Qlik databases.
• Provides information to constituents upon request and as appropriate in the officer’s absence; responds to volunteer questions concerning committee work and donor questions concerning gift processing.
• Cultivates favorable relationships and works closely throughout the year with alumni, current students, volunteers, and/or parents, as well as with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to help accomplish annual goals - including but not limited to Principal and Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Alumni and Donor Services, Communications, Events, Operations, Prospect Management and Research, and the Harvard Alumni Association.
• Supports officers’ work with volunteer leaders on plans and activities to achieve committee goals and increase donor participation. May assist in recruitment of committee members. Helps organize conference calls, prepares reports and materials for staff and volunteers, and staffs events (in person and virtual) as needed.
• May help facilitate communications to various FAS constituents from the officer and/or volunteer leaders to the broader community.
• Handles travel and expense reports; schedules meetings and maintains calendars; drafts letters, emails, memos, and reports; and performs other administrative responsibilities as needed.
• May be asked to provide additional support for the broader Harvard College Fund team and FAS Development during times of peak activity or staff transition. Works closely with other members of the HCF 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.

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.

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 detail, and the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Must be highly organized, detailed oriented, and be 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. Sense of humor a plus.

Working Conditions

Workplace role requirements outside of campus-based engagements required by AA&D/team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc. You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.  We will do our best to give you up to 2-weeks’ notice with these situations. 

• For those interested in remote work, this position can be performed as fully remote.  AA&D does require visits to Cambridge for on or around campus-based engagements required by AA&D leadership, your team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc.   All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).  Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.    

Additional Information

• This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
• Please include a cover letter with your application.

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/ .

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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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, General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403033 Staff Assistant III

Department

Alumni Affairs and Development

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

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.