Major Gifts Development Assistant

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, MA, invites applicants to join the Alumni Affairs and Development team as a Development Assistant. This full-time, non-exempt position supports frontline gift officers and helps advance the Faculty of Arts and Sciences' philanthropic mission.

It offers an excellent entry path into higher education fundraising. The role involves data gathering, materials preparation for meetings, donor research, and coordinating travel.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of related experience (education may count toward experience).
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software and PC environments.
• Available to work additional evening hours if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Supports frontline gift officers with prospect management, data gathering, input, and reports.
• Prepares meeting and solicitation materials and post-meeting action items.
• Masters alumni/donor database to research prospects and generate reports.
• Writes event briefings, event bios, and donor briefings with gift officers.
• Maintains reports on gift totals and solicitation status; creates lists in Advance and Qlikview.
• Coordinates travel and expense reports; schedules meetings and takes notes.
• Provides service to donors and alumni domestically and internationally with guidance from manager.
• Collaborates with colleagues to advance department goals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

College degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, MA, invites applicants to join the Alumni Affairs and Development team as a Development Assistant. This full-time, non-exempt position supports frontline gift officers and helps advance the Faculty of Arts and Sciences' philanthropic mission.

It offers an excellent entry path into higher education fundraising. The role involves data gathering, materials preparation for meetings, donor research, and coordinating travel.