Development Assistant, Harvard College Fund

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3d • 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 in advancing the philanthropic mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The role offers an opportunity to build a career in higher education and learn about alumni affairs and development.

The position provides administrative and fundraising support, including prospect and volunteer management, preparation of meeting and solicitation materials, database research and reporting, donor communications, travel and expense coordination, calendar management, and event support. The assistant works with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development and with alumni, students, volunteers, and parents to help achieve department and team goals. The position may also provide support to the broader Harvard College Fund team and FAS Development during periods of peak activity or staff transition.

The role is hybrid. The work schedule and location are determined by the department based on operational needs. Some campus-based engagements, such as reunions, retreats, meetings, and events, are required; the department will make its best effort to provide up to two weeks’ notice for engagements outside the usual campus-based requirements. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week, with additional evening hours as necessary.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Support fundraisers’ prospect and volunteer management, including gathering, entering, and maintaining data; drafting outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
• Develop and prepare meeting and solicitation materials for prospect meetings and support post-meeting action items.
• Research prospects, organize data, produce reports, and enter information accurately and promptly in the alumni and donor database.
• 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, and take and distribute meeting notes.
• Provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders as appropriate and with guidance from the manager.
• Build and maintain working relationships with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development and with alumni, students, volunteers, and parents.
• Support officers’ work with volunteer leaders on plans and activities to achieve committee goals and increase donor participation.
• Help organize conference calls, prepare reports and materials for staff and volunteers, and staff in-person and virtual events as needed.
• Assist with communications from officers or volunteer leaders to FAS constituents and the broader community as needed.
• Serve as a resource for policies, protocols, and procedures, and develop strategies to make fundraising efforts more efficient and productive.
• Provide additional support to the broader Harvard College Fund team and FAS Development during peak activity or staff transitions.
• Participate in team and staff meetings and perform other job-related duties as required.
• Attend required meetings, campus activities such as spring reunions, and department retreats on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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: No Education Listed