Posting date: October 27, 2026
Reference: 004185SR
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Cambridge
- School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
- Department: Alumni Affairs and Development
- Salary Grade: 057
- Job Function: Alumni Affairs and Development
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Term Appointment: No
- Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
- Work Format: Hybrid
Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.
Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.
AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACED), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).
Job Description
This full-time, exempt position reports to the Senior Associate Director of Development, Annual Programs, for the Harvard College Fund (HCF). They plan and execute fundraising initiatives for College alumni one to nine years out from graduation, excluding those celebrating their fifth reunion. Working closely with staff and alumni leaders, the Assistant Director identifies, recruits, and manages the Recent Graduate Leadership Committee—a diverse and inclusive group of volunteers who model giving and service, engage their peers, and encourage participation in the Harvard community. The Assistant Director cultivates and solicits annual support for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, with a particular emphasis on flexible, current-use gifts to HCF, and occasionally travels to meet with alumni donor prospects and volunteer leaders. This position requires a command of basic fundraising principles, a high level of organization, professionalism, and a broad familiarity with the objectives of volunteer management, and annual, capital, and planned giving fundraising. Strong written and oral communication skills are mandatory for this role.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- In partnership with the Sr. Associate Director of Development, the Assistant Director will develop and execute strategies to build and grow recent graduate philanthropy and volunteerism.
- Responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding unassigned alumni prospects in assigned classes with a focus on both participation and leadership giving:
- Determines independently, and with management assistance, solicitation strategies for prospects
- Conducts participation and leadership-level solicitations of unassigned prospects
- Enlists and manages volunteer leadership
- Serve as the primary staff contact for the HCF Vice Chairs for Recent Graduates and engage them in setting the strategy for the Recent Graduate Leadership Committee.
- Establish a calendar
- Set goals
- Monitor metrics
- Plan and execute volunteer meetings and engagement events
- Report results
- In partnership with the Vice Chairs for Recent Graduates, manage the Harvard College Fund Recent Graduate Leadership Committee (RGLC).
- Collaboratively and independently identify, enlist, and manage volunteers, setting clear expectations around roles and responsibilities
- Make solicitation assignments for volunteers and provide them with ongoing support and resources to enable them to successfully close gifts
- Appropriately steward committee volunteers, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling experience
- Partner with reunion officers to facilitate a reciprocal pipeline between the RGLC and reunion campaigns.
- Incorporate continuous training and preparation into the committee’s work to ensure the volunteers’ success as they move into their 5th and 10th Reunion Campaigns and in support of FAS and HCF priorities and goals
- Collaborates with the HCF Management Team; Major Gifts; Gift Planning; Principal Gifts; Harvard Alumni Association (College Alumni Programs); FAS Research and Prospect Management; Gift Administration; Business Process & Operation; Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations; volunteers; and donors to further the cause of Harvard engagement and fundraising efforts.
- Direct work for and mentor a shared, full-time Development Assistant and Coordinator.
- Collaborate periodically on special projects with the HCF Management Team and the FAS and UDO fundraising staff broadly to further overall fundraising objectives.
- The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in university fundraising and administration or related transferable experience.
- This position requires flexibility for overnight travel and work outside of core business hours. Travel expectations require approximately 20% of time during the year, not including preparation for, execution of, or follow-up on, these trips.
- Must have experience with Microsoft Windows and databases.
- Required to work onsite in the Cambridge, MA office on assigned days weekly and may be asked to also come in for additional meetings outside of the assigned days.
- 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.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Knowledge of academic communities is required. Demonstrated success in annual or capital giving or applicable ability, writing fundraising materials, devising sophisticated cultivation and solicitation strategies, and events management. Proven ability to motivate, engage and work with alumni, university officials, faculty, and staff or similar constituencies.
- Must have definite abilities to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound and confidential judgment.
- Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change. Must have ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects, and handle difficult situations with tact and a sense of humor.
- Must be highly organized, detail oriented and efficient. Must exhibit great attention to detail and have the ability to produce clear documentation.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills and written communication skills required. Must be creative and proactive yet disciplined, discriminating, and able to streamline work volume to maintain bottom line efforts in midst of multi-tasking and daily re-prioritizing, with manager’s guidance.
- Must be a professional, confidential, honest, and trustworthy person.
- Must have an even disposition and be able to deal effectively and politely with people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of difficult situations. Must maintain a professional and caring demeanor and have a strong work ethic.
- Must be collaborative, conscientious, and results oriented. Must be able to listen as well as to influence and persuade others.
Additional Information
Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.
- Orientation and Review Period: 6 months
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- 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
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
