Harvard University

Harvard University

Associate Director of Major Gifts

Cambridge, MA, United States · Director · Full-time

No sponsorship$150k-$250kDetected 1 day ago
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odds of building a lasting career here

88Lottery-free
Cap-exempt (no lottery)100
Sponsors year-round90
Entry-level history60
PERM / green-card track50
Fits your clock70

Files H-1B any time — no cap, no lottery. The 2026 weighted-selection rule doesn't touch it, which makes this the strongest structural path for entry-level talent. Pay is often lower, but your odds of staying are dramatically higher.

Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.

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About the role

  • The School's faculty and students push the boundaries of knowledge and practice, advancing ideas that influence policy, industry, and communities worldwide.
  • To sustain and accelerate this impact, the GSD must secure long-term philanthropic investment in its core priorities: ensuring access for exceptional students, supporting world-class faculty, and fueling innovative programs and research.
  • Development and Alumni Relations is central to advancing these goals.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 150-250 major gift prospects across individuals, corporations, and foundations, with an emphasis on six-figure gifts and select seven-figure opportunities.
  • Develop and implement individualized strategies for each prospect, guiding them through the full donor cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Lead the strategy and execution of complex solicitations, including multi-year commitments and endowed funds, collaborating with faculty and institutional leadership as appropriate.
  • Maintain an active schedule of in-person and virtual visits, with extensive (primarily domestic) travel to engage prospects and donors.
  • Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects, building and strengthening a robust pipeline for major and principal gifts.
  • Use data, research, and performance metrics to prioritize activity, inform decision-making, and drive toward ambitious revenue and activity goals.
  • Partner effectively with faculty, School leadership and staff, and University partners, preparing them for donor interactions and supporting their roles in the cultivation and solicitation process.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to pivot strategies, manage ambiguity, and sustain focus on long-term goals.
  • Manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and relationships simultaneously, with strong follow-through and meticulous record-keeping.

Requirements

  • Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.
  • The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively (primarily domestic) and to work occasional evenings and weekends as donor and event schedules require.

Skills

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with comfort working in a metrics- and goal-oriented environment.
  • High level of professional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential information and donor relationships.
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  • Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application.
  • 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.

Compensation

  • $150k-$250k

Benefits

  • Values shared goals, communicates openly, and contributes to a culture of mutual respect, learning, and support.
  • Able to connect the urgency of design education-and issues such as climate, housing, and social equity-to compelling cases for philanthropic investment.
  • Serve as a compelling and informed ambassador for the GSD, articulating the School's mission, vision, and priorities-and the urgency of design's role in addressing global challenges-in a clear and inspiring way.
  • Contribute positively to a collaborative team culture that values openness, learning, and shared success across all Development and Alumni Relations functions.

Company info

  • We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA
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This listing is sourced directly from Harvard University's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.