Development Assistant, Major Gifts

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Assistant is a full-time, non-exempt member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) development team, supporting frontline gift officers and the philanthropic mission of FAS. The role supports fundraisers’ prospect management, prepares materials for prospect meetings and solicitations, maintains donor and gift information, and provides administrative and customer-service support. It offers an opportunity to build a career in higher education and learn about alumni affairs and development.

The position is hybrid. Work location and schedule are determined by the department based on operational needs; employees working away from Harvard or a Harvard-designated location must work in a Harvard-registered state. The role is scheduled for 35 hours per week and may require additional evening hours. Attendance at certain meetings, events and campus activities—including Spring reunions—and on-campus department retreats is expected. Some activities may take place outside the usual campus-based work setting, with an effort to provide up to two weeks’ notice.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of related experience; education may count toward experience.
• Solid PC computer skills and the ability to learn software for database management, mail merges and report generation.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Availability to work additional evening hours if necessary.
• Ability to attend meetings, certain events and campus activities such as Spring reunions, and department retreats on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Ability to work under pressure, follow policies and procedures, and adapt to change.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good judgment and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Strong organization, attention to detail and ability to work efficiently in a multitasking environment.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation, with the ability to proofread and edit correspondence accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent phone manner and personal presentation.

Nice To Haves

• College degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience interacting with corporate executives and senior-level staff.
• Knowledge of fundraising in a nonprofit setting.

Responsibilities

• Support fundraisers’ prospect management through data gathering, data entry and maintenance, and drafting prospect outreach, memos, correspondence and reports.
• Prepare meeting and solicitation materials and support post-meeting action items.
• Use the alumni and donor database to research prospects, organize information and produce reports; enter data accurately and promptly.
• Partner with gift officers to prepare event briefings, event biographies and donor briefings.
• Maintain reports on gift and donor totals, solicitation status and prospects; produce reports and lists using Advance and Qlikview databases.
• Coordinate officers’ travel and expense reports, schedule meetings, maintain calendars, take and distribute meeting notes, and perform other administrative tasks.
• Provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders, including donors and alumni, with guidance from a manager.
• Build and maintain working relationships with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to support departmental and team goals.
• Help facilitate communications between officers and FAS constituents as needed.
• Serve as a resource on policies, protocols and procedures, and identify ways to make fundraising efforts more efficient and productive.
• Provide additional support to the broader Major Gifts team and FAS Development during peak activity or staff transitions.
• Participate in team and staff meetings and contribute as an engaged team member.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental and vision 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed