Associate Director of Major Gifts

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Graduate School of Design (GSD) is a global leader in design education and research, training the next generation of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, urban designers, and design thinkers. The GSD is seeking to secure long-term philanthropic investment in its core priorities: ensuring access for exceptional students, supporting world-class faculty, and fueling innovative programs and research. Development and Alumni Relations is central to advancing these goals. The Associate Director of Major Gifts will play a pivotal role in building a robust, sustainable pipeline of donors who are deeply engaged with the GSD’s mission and work. This role is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 150–250 prospective donors, with a primary focus on six-figure gifts and select opportunities to secure seven-figure commitments. The Associate Director will advance the School’s highest priorities—students, faculty, and programs—by developing and executing thoughtful, data-informed strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of frontline fundraising experience (or equivalent experience in a directly transferable area of development or institutional advancement), with a demonstrated track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Proven ability to manage the full donor cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.
• General computer literacy, including proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace) and experience with at least one Development CRM (e.g., Advance, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar).
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (primarily domestic) and to work occasional evenings and weekends as donor and event schedules require.
• Commitment to working in person on campus in Cambridge at least one day per week as part of a hybrid work arrangement.
• Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.
• Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success working independently to develop and execute tailored strategies for a diverse portfolio of prospects.
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and earn the trust of donors, senior leaders, faculty, and colleagues.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with comfort working in a metrics- and goal-oriented environment.
• High level of professional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential information and donor relationships.
• Interest in design and the built environment, and the ability to represent the GSD’s work and vision compellingly and credibly.
• Strategic and analytical mindset: Able to synthesize information, prioritize opportunities, and design multi-step strategies that align donor interests with institutional needs.
• Independent and proactive: Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, taking initiative, and driving work forward without extensive direction, while knowing when to seek input.
• Collaborative team player: Values shared goals, communicates openly, and contributes to a culture of mutual respect, learning, and support.
• Persuasive storyteller: Able to connect the urgency of design education—and issues such as climate, housing, and social equity—to compelling cases for philanthropic investment.
• Adaptable and resilient: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to pivot strategies, manage ambiguity, and sustain focus on long-term goals.
• Detail-oriented and organized: Manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and relationships simultaneously, with strong follow-through and meticulous record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 150–250 major gift prospects across individuals, corporations, and foundations, with an emphasis on six-figure gifts and select seven-figure opportunities.
• Develop and implement individualized strategies for each prospect, guiding them through the full donor cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Lead the strategy and execution of complex solicitations, including multi-year commitments and endowed funds, collaborating with faculty and institutional leadership as appropriate.
• Maintain an active schedule of in-person and virtual visits, with extensive (primarily domestic) travel to engage prospects and donors.
• Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects, building and strengthening a robust pipeline for major and principal gifts.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Development and Alumni Relations, and across the University as appropriate, to share intelligence and coordinate engagement strategies.
• Use data, research, and performance metrics to prioritize activity, inform decision-making, and drive toward ambitious revenue and activity goals.
• Serve as a compelling and informed ambassador for the GSD, articulating the School’s mission, vision, and priorities—and the urgency of design’s role in addressing global challenges—in a clear and inspiring way.
• Partner effectively with faculty, School leadership and staff, and University partners, preparing them for donor interactions and supporting their roles in the cultivation and solicitation process.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative team culture that values openness, learning, and shared success across all Development and Alumni Relations functions. Participate actively in the GSD campus community.
• Ensure high-quality stewardship for major donors, informing tailored impact reporting, recognition, and ongoing engagement aligned with donor interests.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop creative engagement opportunities—events, campus visits, program presentations, and other experiences—that deepen donors’ connection to the GSD’s work.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all donor and prospect activity in the Development CRM, supporting transparency, continuity, and institutional memory.
• Meet or exceed annual goals for visits, solicitations, dollars raised, and other key performance indicators.
• Regularly review portfolio performance, pipeline health, and progress against goals with the Senior Director of Major Gifts and Individual Philanthropy.
• Contribute to the ongoing refinement and elevation of the GSD’s major and principal gifts strategies across the team, bringing forward new ideas, best practices, and lessons learned.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree