Development Assistant, Principal Gifts & Donor Relations

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance start day one

Retirement plans with university match

Wellbeing resources

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) unit in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Development Assistant to support frontline gift officers and advance philanthropic initiatives within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This full-time, non-exempt position provides essential data, prospect management, and administrative support.

The role offers opportunities to develop in higher education fundraising, work with alumni, and contribute to donor relations across multiple teams.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of related experience (education may count toward experience).
• Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management, mail merges, and report generation.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Available to work additional evening hours if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Supports frontline gift officers in prospect management, including data gathering, input, and maintenance; drafts outreach, memos, correspondence, and reports.
• Develops and prepares meeting and solicitation materials for prospect meetings and supports post-meeting actions.
• Learns and uses the alumni/donor database to research prospects, organize data and produce reports; enters data accurately.
• Partners with gift officers to write event briefings, bios, and donor briefs.
• Maintains reports on gift totals, solicitation status, and prospects; produces lists using Advance and QlikView.
• Coordinates officers’ travel and expense reports; schedules meetings and takes notes; performs admin duties as needed.
• Provides customer service to donors and alumni with guidance from manager.
• Cultivates relationships across AA&D to support department goals.
• May assist broader Major Gifts team during peak activity or staff transition.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

College degree

Tools

Advance database

QlikView

Job description

Harvard University’s Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) unit in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Development Assistant to support frontline gift officers and advance philanthropic initiatives within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This full-time, non-exempt position provides essential data, prospect management, and administrative support.

The role offers opportunities to develop in higher education fundraising, work with alumni, and contribute to donor relations across multiple teams.