Director, Engagement and Stewardship

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Director, Engagement and Stewardship to contribute to the Center’s overall leadership and serve on its senior leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will help set institutional priorities, oversee implementation, foster the culture and resources needed for the Center’s success, and advance operational excellence.

The Director will be CPL’s lead partner with the Office of Alumni Relations and Resource Development (ARRD), developing and implementing plans to deepen alumni engagement, support programmatic and organizational priorities, and help achieve fundraising targets. The role represents CPL at events and meetings, includes travel to meet prospects and donors, and involves managing key collaborative relationships that advance the Center’s mission. The successful candidate will bring strategic initiative, commitment to the mission, and a strong team orientation.

This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from the date of hire, with a strong possibility of renewal. The position is based on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the possibility of flexible work arrangements; the work format is hybrid. Some work on nights, weekends, and travel is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in development and alumni relations.
• Supervisory or team lead experience.
• Ability to collaborate in a matrixed organization.
• Sound judgment and decision-making ability.
• Experience building and leading teams.
• Experience developing strong operations and systems.
• Experience developing, deepening, and stewarding relationships with donors and external stakeholders.
• Experience with proposal writing, including grants.
• Compelling writing skills and ability to identify target audiences and tailor effective messages.
• Availability for some night and weekend work and travel.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Entrepreneurial and creative approach, with a record of piloting and testing new initiatives quickly.
• Experience engaging with senior government officials, diplomats, and major donors.
• Demonstrated skill in strategic planning, agenda setting, and aligning resources with priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design and support an engagement, development, and stewardship strategy aligned with CPL priorities, in close coordination with ARRD.
• Lead CPL alumni engagement and relationship building, including creating an alumni engagement program that connects current students, engaged alumni, and disengaged alumni as part of a full professional lifecycle support system.
• Plan development and alumni engagement events and field experiences with ARRD and CPL leadership, establishing goals and metrics.
• Oversee stewardship of CPL councils, including the Leadership Council and Alumni Council, and recommend adjustments to council strategy.
• Support the Faculty Director and Executive Director with development and engagement responsibilities, including attending meetings and events, preparing briefings with ARRD, and managing follow-up correspondence and reports.
• Evaluate donor and alumni events and activities, use data to recommend improvements, and create processes to track and share data with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with CPL, HKS, and ARRD communications teams to prioritize and create marketing and storytelling resources.
• Provide strategic direction for flagship CPL programs, including Hauser Leaders, the Gleitsman Award, the Gergen Summer Fellows Program, and related practitioner engagement activities.
• Oversee CPL events, including panels, guest speakers, and conferences.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders, including ARRD, University development teams, and OCPA; communicate CPL goals and priorities and collaborate on shared work.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and internal stakeholders, including management to budget.
• Operate the Center’s engagement and stewardship work within approved budgets.
• Directly manage a team, providing leadership, support, and guidance.
• Perform other responsibilities and serve in additional capacities as needed.

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: Director