Development Assistant, Alumni & Donor Programs

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Development Assistant to join the Faculty of Arts and Sciences development team. This full-time role supports frontline gift officers and advances the university’s philanthropic mission through data management, prospect research, and donor communications.

The position offers diverse responsibilities across alumni relations, events, and reporting, with occasional travel and after-hours events.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of related experience (education may count toward experience).
• Solid computer skills in a PC environment and ability to master new software.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Availabl e to work additional evening hours if necessary.
• College degree from an accredited institution strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports prospect management data gathering, input, and maintenance; drafts outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
• Develops and prepares meeting and solicitation materials; supports post-meeting action items.
• Masters data and produces reports; enters data accurately and timely.
• Partners with gift officers to write event briefings, bios, and donor briefings.
• Maintains reports on gift and donor totals, solicitation status, and prospects; uses Advance and Qlikview.
• Coordinates travel and expense reports; schedules meetings; distributes notes; performs administrative duties.
• Provides customer service to donors and alumni domestically and internationally with guidance from manager.
• Cultivates relationships across Alumni Affairs and Development to support department goals.
• Supports broader Major Gifts team during peak activity or staff transitions.

Skills

Strong writing

Attention to detail

MS Office proficiency

Data entry accuracy

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Advance database

QlikView

CRM systems

Job description

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Development Assistant to join the Faculty of Arts and Sciences development team. This full-time role supports frontline gift officers and advances the university’s philanthropic mission through data management, prospect research, and donor communications.

The position offers diverse responsibilities across alumni relations, events, and reporting, with occasional travel and after-hours events.