Harvard University
Associate Director of Development, Principal & Major Gifts
Boston, MA, United States · Director
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About the role
- The Associate Director is a frontline fundraiser focused on qualifying, engaging, and cultivating prospects with capacity in the $100K-$500K range who are not well served by existing reunion, regional, or principal gift portfolios.
- The Associate Director will move prospects from qualification to cultivation and, when appropriate, transition them to principal, major, or planned gift officers.
- The role is not regionally based and includes moderate domestic travel.
Responsibilities
- Oversee Pipeline Building & Internal Collaboration
- Build and manage the leadership pipeline by identifying and qualifying leads including: HMS MD alumni not engaged through reunion efforts and alumni of other Harvard Schools or non-Harvard prospects with biomedical or related interests.
- Partner with Prospect Intelligence to interpret research and wealth indicators to prioritize leads, determine next steps, and streamline assignment or transfer recommendations.
- Collaborate with PMGG and Gift Planning officers on the transition of prospects who demonstrate confirmed capacity above the leadership band or are ready for more complex gift discussions, including dean-level engagement.
- Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors with capacity in the $100K-$500K range, implementing personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that align prospect interests with institutional priorities.
- Partner with faculty and senior development colleagues to shape and advance six-figure gift solicitations.
- Lead Event Strategy & Follow Up
- Represent at, and support select regional events focused on engagement and cultivation.
- Support for families and caregivers
- 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.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
- Minimum of 7 years' experience in fundraising, development, or related transferable experience.
- Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.
Nice to have
- Demonstrated success in a frontline fundraising role Highly collaborative demeanor with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and general database management software.
Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication with the ability to navigate non-routine and sensitive situations with discretion.
- Willing and able to work evenings and weekends, and to travel domestically.
- Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. Hybrid work environment with at least one day in the office per week and as business requires.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
- Work Format Details
- The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs.
- 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
Compensation
- $100k-$500k
Benefits
- 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
- 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.
- Why join Harvard Medical School?
- You'll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health.
- Together, AAD professionals help secure the resources that fuel transformative biomedical research, educate future physician-scientists and health care leaders, and accelerate discoveries that improve human health.
Company info
- We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
- As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background.
- We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives.
Equal opportunity
- EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
- equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
Visa & Work Authorization
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.
This listing is sourced directly from Harvard University's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.