Development Assistant, Principal Gifts

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 in advancing the philanthropic mission of FAS. The role offers an opportunity to build a career in higher education and learn about alumni affairs and development. The Development Assistant supports prospect management, prepares meeting and solicitation materials, drafts outreach and correspondence, maintains donor and gift reports, and coordinates officers’ schedules, travel, expenses, and meeting documentation. The position also helps prepare event and donor briefings, provides service to internal and external stakeholders, and works with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to meet department and team goals. The position is hybrid. Work schedules and locations are set by the department according to operational needs. The role requires attendance at certain campus events, including spring reunions, and on-campus department retreats in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Additional evening hours may be necessary. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week.

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 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 independently and collaboratively.
Good judgment and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently in a multi-task environment.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, with the ability to accurately proofread and edit correspondence.
Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent phone manner and personal presentation.
Ability to attend required campus events and department retreats in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Support fundraisers’ prospect management through data gathering, input, and maintenance; draft prospect outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
Prepare meeting and solicitation materials before prospect meetings and support post-meeting action items.
Learn and use the alumni/donor database to research prospects, organize data, produce reports, and enter accurate, timely information.
Partner with gift officers and Development Coordinators 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 work as needed.
Provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders, including donors and alumni, with guidance from the manager.
Build and maintain relationships with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to support department and team goals.
Help facilitate communications with FAS constituents on behalf of officers, 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, as needed.
Participate in team and staff meetings and contribute as an engaged team member.
Perform other job-related duties as required.
Work certain campus events, such as spring reunions, and attend department retreats on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including parental leave
Medical insurance starting on day one
Dental insurance starting on day one
Vision insurance 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