Development Assistant, Harvard College Fund

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• You will be expected to attend meetings, work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Nice To Haves

• 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 to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to all aspects of fundraisers’ prospect and volunteer management, including data gathering, input and maintenance; drafting prospect/volunteer outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
• Develops and prepares necessary meeting and solicitation materials prior to prospect meetings and supports post-meeting action items.
• Achieves proficiency in the alumni/donor database to research prospects, organize data and produce reports. Enters data in an accurate and timely manner.
• Partners with gift officers to write high quality event briefings, event bios, and donor briefings.
• Maintains various reports to ensure accurate and current information on gift and donor totals, solicitation status, and prospects. Produces reports and lists using the Advance and Qlikview databases.
• Coordinates officers’ travel and expense reports; schedules meetings and maintains calendars; takes and distributes meeting notes and performs other administrative responsibilities as needed.
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders upon request and as appropriate with guidance from manager.
• Cultivates favorable relationships and works closely throughout the year with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development and with alumni, current students, volunteers, and/or parents to help accomplish department and team goals.
• Supports officers’ work with volunteer leaders on plans and activities to achieve committee goals and increase donor participation. 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 with various FAS constituents from the officer and/or volunteer leaders to the broader community.
• Serves as a resource for policies, protocols and procedures and strategizes ways for fundraising efforts to be more efficient and productive.
• 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.
• Provides other job-related duties as required.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree