"Associate Director of Principal Gifts"

Job Summary

Posting date: February 03, 2026

External Reference: 002242SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
• Department: American Repertory Theater
• Salary Grade: 058
• Job Function: Alumni Affairs and Development
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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.

Why join Harvard University's American Repertory Theater?

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) and is a leading force in American theater, producing groundbreaking work in Cambridge and beyond.

Job Description

The Associate Director of Principal Gifts is responsible for supporting the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of making transformational philanthropic contributions (typically $1 million and above). This position plays an integral role on the American Repertory Theater’s development team, collaborating with colleagues and senior leadership to secure major funding for institutional priorities and initiatives.

This position reports to the Chief Development Officer and serves as a front-line fundraiser for the A.R.T. The role can be hybrid (with an expectation of regular required presence at the Loeb Theater on the Cambridge campus and eventually, to the new David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance, on the Allston campus to execute core job-specific responsibilities) and will carry a portfolio focused on A.R.T. principal gifts prospects in multiple regions, primarily in Boston and New York.

The Associate Director will manage a principal gifts portfolio of around 90 active prospects, donors, and volunteer leaders, and will expand the portfolio by identifying and engaging new prospects with the capacity of giving $1 million or more.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

1. Manage a portfolio of prospects with the capacity to give $1 million or more with the goal of securing gifts of 6 to 7 figures. Build professional relationships with prospects or their philanthropic representatives and facilitate a network of relationships between prospects and leaders (A.R.T. Senior Staff, Trustees and Advisors) Match interests with A.R.T. needs and opportunities; and work to focus on raising the highest quality dollars that directly impact the programming, community engagement, pedagogical needs, the overall mission of the A.R.T. Develop and maintain meaningful stewardship with donors to the A.RT.. Meet expectations for moves management and other metrics as defined by the Chief Development Officer.
2. Partner with senior leadership and the A.R.T development team to design meaningful cultivation experiences, proposals, and stewardship plans.
3. Attend A.R.T events, performances, etc. to connect with donors and to provide opportunities for stewarding these relationships.
4. Travel as needed to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors especially in New York City. May involve international travel depending on prospect assignments.
5. Plan, staff, and brief senior staff for substantive, strategic prospect/donor visits and events.
6. Collaborate with members of the University Development Office on the resources teams to develop impactful events, strategic communications, and meaningful stewardship needed to advance principal gifts.
7. Work with volunteer leaders to advance prospect and donor activity.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Bachelor’s degree, 7+ years of related experience as a seasoned fundraising professional with proven experience engaging high-net-worth individuals and a successful track record of developing strategies for multimillion-dollar, complex solicitations and raising principal-level gifts.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals at all levels, both verbally and in writing.

Must be able to operate independently and display critical thinking and sound judgment.

Ability to maximize giving potential and giving inclination using all available resources.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity
• Other Information: This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

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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 058. 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.