Development Coordinator, Principal Gifts

Harvard University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Alumni Affairs and Development invites applications for a Development Coordinator. This full-time, non-exempt role provides high-level strategic, operational, and administrative support to an Executive Director of Principal Gifts, advancing the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ philanthropic mission.

You will oversee prospect activity, draft outreach, prepare briefing materials, track donor interactions, and coordinate meetings with senior leaders including the President, Deans,

Job 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).

The Development Coordinator is an integral member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) development team. This full-time non-exempt position provides high-level strategic, operational, and administrative support to an Executive Director of Principal Gifts to advance the philanthropic mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Prospect and Relationship Management Support

• Oversee prospect activity support from preparation through follow-up, including drafting outreach, correspondence, briefing materials, reports, meeting notes, and action plans.
• Track donor interactions, gift conversations, solicitation strategies, stewardship opportunities, and follow-up commitments.
• Prepare talking points, donor strategies, relationship summaries, and recommended next steps.
• Partner with Research and other colleagues to assess University affiliations, giving history, external philanthropy, recent activity, and relevant institutional priorities.
• Ensure donor and prospect information is accurately and promptly recorded in the alumni and donor database.

Meeting, Proposal, and Workflow Support

• Coordinate proposals, donor briefings, planning meetings, correspondence, and other requests for the fundraiser.
• Prepare a high volume of high-quality briefings for domestic and international travel and meetings with the President, Deans, Provost, faculty, and other University leaders.
• Coordinate meeting objectives, participants, logistics, materials, and follow-up responsibilities with internal stakeholders.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner by helping the fundraiser assess priorities