Associate Director of Development, Direct Response Marketing

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Parental leave

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Associate Director of Development, Direct Response Marketing to lead omni-channel fundraising campaigns for Harvard College Fund, Graduate School Fund, Athletics, and the 1636 Loyalty Society. You will translate strategy into production plans, segment audiences, and manage timelines while supervising a Development Assistant Specialist.

The role requires strong project management, analytics, and collaboration with partners to maximize revenue and participation

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree preferred.
• Minimum 6+ years’ relevant experience in direct response marketing or fundraising.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret and report data.
• Must have excellent computer skills.
• Willing to work campus events in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic direction of direct response marketing channels and signatories; lead in the MD’s absence.
• Supervise Development Assistant Specialist and provide training and backup support.
• Collaborate to enhance processes, workflows, and project management frameworks.
• Translate fundraising strategy into a comprehensive production schedule and audience matrix.
• Manage creative timelines, workflows, and approvals for campaigns.
• Track results and refine strategy to maximize revenue and participation.
• Provide analytics-based input on audience segmentation and messaging.
• Maintain relationships with production and deployment partners; keep USPS accounts in good standing.
• Manage campaigns across all phases—from planning to deployment—with on-time, on-budget execution.
• Translate strategy into creative briefs and design direction; provide feedback on copy/design.
• Collaborate to test opportunities for donor growth and process improvements.
• Support internal communications about direct response marketing and workflows.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Verbal communication

Visual communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Project management

Staff development

Data-driven decision making

Computer skills

Education

BA/BS degree preferred

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office Suite

HTML

Job description

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 (ACEDR), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).

Job Description

The Associate Director of Development, Direct Response Marketing executes omni-channel campaigns (print, digital, and emerging technologies) for the Harvard College Fund, Graduate School Fund, Athletics, and the 1636 Loyalty Society recognition program. This position translates strategy into comprehensive production plans, data-driven audience segmentation, and coordinated project timelines, managing all campaign phases from planning through deployment while providing expert input on messaging and creative direction, maintaining key partnerships, supporting operational improvements and process documentation, and supervising a Development Assistant Specialist.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Support the Managing Director of Development, Direct Response Marketing with overseeing the strategic direction of direct response marketing channels (print, digital, and emerging technologies) and requesting signatories. Assume team leadership in their absence.
• Supervise a Development Assistant Specialist, Direct Response Marketing, who provides key coordination for all DRM projects and inbox management. Develop, train, mentor, and provide backup support for direct report.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to enhance business processes, develop and implement team workflows and project management frameworks, and document process improvements to support operational efficiency and team alignment.
• Translate fundraising strategy into a comprehensive production schedule and audience matrix; manage creative and content timelines, workflows, and approvals to ensure successful implementation of a robust, data-informed fundraising calendar.
• Track, analyze, and assess project results and trends to continuously refine strategy to maximize revenue and participation.
• Provide strategic input and recommendations on audience segmentation, messaging, and campaign optimization using analytics across channels; manage audience strategy including list pulls and segmentation.
• Build and maintain productive work relationships with production and deployment partners (mail house, Email Marketing, and Project Management); keep USPS accounts in good standing.
• Execute campaign project management across all project phases—including planning, coordination, proofing, and deployment—monitoring partner project manager activity and managing overall timelines, cross-functional dependencies, and deliverables to ensure on-time, on-budget execution and consistent high-quality work.
• Translate strategic direction into creative briefs and design recommendations; provide feedback on copy and design development to ensure alignment with DRM objectives and brand; contribute design mockups and direction as needed.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to test, explore, and leverage opportunities for donor and revenue growth and process improvements.
• Support internal communications that build awareness of direct response marketing and document process and workflows.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• BA/BS degree preferred. Minimum 6+ years’ relevant or transferable experience (direct response marketing, fundraising, annual giving, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to interpret and report data
• Must have excellent computer skills.
• 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

• Proven project management skills, including developing and executing direct response marketing plans, managing schedules and budgets, coordinating stakeholders, and assessing performance
• Experience managing and developing staff
• Track record translating business needs into content-driven solutions
• Strong ability to build and maintain positive relationships with peers, alumni, and donors and exercise sound judgment
• Collaborative, professional team player with results-oriented mindset and willingness to learn new skills and technologies as best practices evolve
• Keen eye for detail; commitment to quality, error-free work
• Knowledge of direct mail best practices, web and interactive media, marketing research and analytics highly desired
• Prior experience working within a development or marketing is preferred
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office Suite, and HTML highly desired; willingness to learn these programs is required

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: 3months
• 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 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.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.