Senior Executive Director, University Development

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard seeks an innovative and experienced fundraising leader and strategic thinker to oversee University Development within AA&D, including corporate and foundation relations, international philanthropy, priorities & initiatives, and principal gifts ($10M-$100M).

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Senior Executive Director will serve as a member of the UDAS senior leadership team and work in close coordination with senior academic and development leaders across Harvard. They will develop, implement, and oversee a proactive fundraising strategy to advance University priorities, which include School-based priorities as well as central and University-wide priorities as defined by the President and Provost, while ensuring excellent donor relationship management. A successful candidate will have demonstrated success in developing or implementing rigorous data-informed approaches to grow fundraising, with a commitment to collaboration, collegiality, and strong donor relationship management informed by shared trust. The Senior Executive Director will manage a modest portfolio of prospects with a primary focus on management activities that facilitate the success of University Development staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 15 years of fundraising and management experience, preferably in higher education
• Strong fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to manage relationships with donors and successfully solicit seven- and eight-figure gifts.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel as necessary for donor and colleague meetings and events.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement sophisticated fundraising strategies for the successful cultivation and solicitation of major and principal gifts.
• Verified success in building and managing a high-performing team. Ability to create and drive strategic planning, develop annual team and individual goals and work plans, and monitor performance based on both quantitative and qualitative factors.
• Proven success in leading through change and developing relationships across a complex organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively engage with all levels of staff, leadership, donors, donors' financial and legal advisors.
• Ability to express concisely and persuasively the mission and priorities of the University to all people of differing temperaments, backgrounds, and philosophies.
• Ability to apply good judgment and discretion when dealing with highly confidential donor and prospect information.
• Computer literacy required; must have experience with Windows-based PCs, prospect databases, and videoconferencing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive central University fundraising unit that incorporates the goals of each fundraising area (corporate and foundation relations, international philanthropy, priorities & initiatives, and principal gifts). Prepare goal setting and evaluations of the program’s impact.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and talent management for the direct reports of this position including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, professional development, training, and performance management. Support managers within the team in their talent management activities.
• Foster an environment of boldness, creativity, and accountability in fundraising strategy and portfolio management through direct coaching, prospect strategy reviews, and goal setting. Collaborate closely with research and prospect management and other AA&D partners to grow the pipeline, optimize frontline portfolios, and evaluate regional or content-based areas of focus.
• Manage a limited portfolio of principal and major gift prospects. Facilitate productive relationships between donors, senior administrators, and other staff to solicit individuals for high- level gifts in support of fundraising priorities. Model best practices by developing strategies for building successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• With the AVP for UDAS, identify areas of opportunity to leverage systems, tools, technology, and expertise across UDAS in service to existing or developing fundraising strategies and priority initiatives.
• Ensure strong communication and partnership with colleagues in Advancement Communications and Donor Relations in developing donor recognition and stewardship plans and messaging, content, and gift opportunities informed by University fundraising strategy. Serve as key partner in development and oversight of University-level committees and recognition programs.
• Promote University Development’s support of and partnership in the work of the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropic Partnerships, including but not limited to, the identification and cultivation of future or emerging nine-figure gift prospects.

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: Executive