Development Support Lead — Fundraising Operations

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans with university f und

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Campus perks

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Assistant Director to oversee a cohort of FAS Development Support Staff, ensuring frontline fundraisers receive top-tier support while maintaining an equitable, positive work environment.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Development, Fundraiser Support Management, the role includes goal setting, performance reviews, onboarding, scheduling, and strategic staffing aligned with fundraising priorities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related administrative experience.
• Experience in project/relationship management.
• Must work onsite in the Cambridge, MA office on assigned days weekly and may be asked to attend additional meetings.
• Willingness to participate in events and department retreats in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of development assistants, including recruitment, onboarding, workload, and tools.
• Own the annual performance management cycle for the cohort with coaching and evaluations.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins to discuss workload, training, and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with frontline officers to assess support effectiveness and adjust priorities.
• Oversee staffing and projects for the development assistant cohort to ensure quality support.
• Partner with HR and leadership on performance, employee relations, compensation and policy.
• Plan and run monthly cohort meetings to share topics and guest speakers.
• Assign special projects and drive process improvements.

Skills

Staff supervision

Project management

Relationship management

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

Discretion

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Job description

Harvard University is seeking an Assistant Director to oversee a cohort of FAS Development Support Staff, ensuring frontline fundraisers receive top-tier support while maintaining an equitable, positive work environment.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Development, Fundraiser Support Management, the role includes goal setting, performance reviews, onboarding, scheduling, and strategic staffing aligned with fundraising priorities.