Director of Partnerships & Engagement

08-Apr-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65512BR

Job Summary

The Director of Partnerships & Engagement will play a key strategic role within the Center, responsible for spearheading development efforts and management of strategic partnerships that align with the Center’s mission and values. This partnership and engagement work is critical to the Center’s ability to meet its broad demands as an Interfaculty Initiative at the University. The role will be situated within the Center’s leadership team, and will work closely with that team including the Faculty Director. The role will report to the Center’s Executive Director.

This role involves high-touch management of existing donors and partnerships as well as identifying and engaging with potential new partners, stakeholders, and donors across academia (including within Harvard), industry, government, and non-profit sectors, to cultivate meaningful relationships. When relevant, this role will involve identifying and supporting the development of research portfolios to further the Center’s work.

Director of Partnerships & Engagement is a high visiability role with supporting the Faculty Director who is regulary engaging with the Dean of FAS, the Provost, the Dean of the College and the President of the University. 

Position Description

Fundraising Strategy

• Develops and executes a strategic plan for development and partnership engagement that aligns with the Center’s mission and strategic goals.
• Sets fundraising goals for the Center and advises the Director and Executive Director on how to meet targets  (around $12.5 million fundraising goal).
• Manages relationships with university development professionals and keeps them informed of Center priorities and programs.
• In collaboration with high level stakeholders (development officers of Harvard and FAS), plans and executes select high level events (Harvard Dialogues sponsored by FAS and Civil Disagreement series panels) related to the cultivation, solicitation and/or stewardship of major gift prospects and donors.

Strategic Partnerships

• Identifies, evaluates, and cultivates partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, governmental bodies, and non-profits to advance the Center’s objectives.
• Serves as an ambassador for the Center, representing it at conferences, panels, and other public events (where relevant) to enhance its profile and attract potential partners. Traveling domoestically and internationally to represent the center (Geneva, Tel Aviv etc.)
• Communication Strategy
• Oversees the Center’s communication, research, and student engagement efforts to develop streamlined narratives and high impact materials including overseeing the creation of engaging content, programming, and events.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of partnerships, adapting strategies as needed to ensure they contribute to the Center’s long-term success.
• External Advisory Board Steward
• Builds out and liaises with the Center’s External Advisory Board (group of advisors that meet twice a year) for direction-setting and other strategic needs.

Staff Management

• Manages 2 direct reports.
• Interviews and hires staff (in collaboration with team), assigns and reviews work, conducts annual performance reviews and takes corrective action, up to and through termination (as needed).

Partnership & Research Alignment

• Collaborates with faculty, researchers, and administrative staff within the Center to align partnership activities with research, educational, and operational goals.

Budget Management

• Oversees communications and development budgets.
• Partners with Executive Director and Director of Business Operations on determining Center budgetary needs and resource allocation, particularly for new initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• BA; minimum 6 years of experience in an academic setting, including at least 3 years of combined experience inresearch project development,partnership cultivation, and multidisciplinary engagement.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strongly preferred: Ph.D. in a social science or humanities discipline
• Significant experience in partnership development, community engagement, or a related area, preferably within an academic or research-focused environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of ethical issues in contemporary society and familiarity with ethical theory and application.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to plan and execute initiatives that advance the Center’s mission and impact.
• A commitment to ethical practices and values.

Additional Information

This is a two-year term role.

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one 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

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

361058 Administrative Manager

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Appointment End Date

30-Apr-2026

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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