Managing Director, Development

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Managing Director, Development to lead ODAR’s fundraising team and shape high‑level donor strategies. You will manage major gifts, partnerships, and proposals, coordinating with senior leadership and campus partners to advance Harvard Chan priorities.

You will mentor staff, drive moves management processes, and cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence in fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Fifteen years or more in nonprofit fundraising with increasing leadership responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ODAR’s fundraising team (5‑6 staff).
• Oversee principal gifts ($5M+) and major gifts ($250K+).
• Develop and execute high‑level fundraising strategies to meet annual/multi‑year goals.
• Collaborate with School leadership and campus partners to advance priorities.
• Mentor staff and build a cohesive, high‑performing team.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Cross‑functional collaboration

Team mentorship

Data‑driven decision making

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Advance database

Moves management styling/tools

Reporting and tracking tools

Job description

Company 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.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued. Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission through research and education, and to be part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country at an opportune time for public health!

Job Description

The Managing Director, Development (MDD) is a full‑time exempt position responsible for the leadership and management of ODAR’s fundraising team (5‑6 people). The MDD oversees principal gifts ($5M+), major gifts ($250 K+), corporate and foundation relations, and coordination on gift planning with the University Development Office (UDO). The role collaborates with colleagues across the School, the Office of Communications, Office of Research Strategy and Development (ORSD), Office of Financial Services (OFS), Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), and other university‑wide partners.

The MDD works closely with the Vice Dean and School leadership to shape, articulate, and advance fundraising goals in support of Harvard Chan priorities. The incumbent develops and executes high‑level fundraising and prospect strategies to enable the realization of established goals and objectives for the annual and multi-year fundraising objectives of Harvard Chan School.

In partnership with the ODAR Senior Leadership Team (OSLT), the MDD integrates and unifies gift planning, major and principal gift fundraising, corporate partnerships, and foundations relations while shaping a cohesive, collaborative, and accountable fundraising team. The MDD builds, motivates, mentors and manages the team to achieve stretch goals in support of Harvard Chan School’s fundraising priorities, ensuring staff receive appropriate training and professional development opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Build, motivate, mentor, and manage direct reports to achieve goals in support of Harvard Chan School’s fundraising priorities. Establish clear expectations, provide frequent constructive feedback, and conduct interim and annual evaluations. Lead strategies for professional development.
• Develop and adhere to a collective development operating plan to achieve strategic cultivation and solicitation of prospects. Collaborate on a multi‑year plan aligned with School fundraising priorities.
• Provide regular updates on progress to the Vice Dean, OSLT, and key stakeholders.
• Carry a small portfolio of key prospects and act as back‑up for select prospects held by the Dean and Vice Dean.
• Work closely with team members to grow the prospect base and ensure productivity in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts.
• Partner strategically with the Vice Dean, OSLT, and School colleagues to develop a strong and effective case of support for current and potential donors in advancing Harvard Chan development priorities. Develop effective strategies for communications, events, stewardship, and proposals.
• Actively partner and prioritize transparent and lasting relationships across the Harvard Chan community through collaboration with faculty and other colleagues, including the Office of Communications, ORSD, and Office of Financial Services.
• Lead the development, execution and evaluation of the annual and multi‑year fundraising plan that supports the overall multi‑year fundraising agenda and initiatives.
• Advance a development culture that embraces the use of systems and tools to effectively implement a moves management prospect management process, including the use of the Advance database and reporting and tracking tools. Work with the Strategy and Operations team to define and prioritize systems and infrastructure in support of the fundraising managers and staff.

Additional duties may be assigned in accordance with the level of the position.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Fifteen years or more in nonprofit fundraising, with increasing responsibility in managing a professional team and executing overall strategy.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred.
• 15 + years of successful fundraising and fundraising management in a complex organization, university, or related transferable experience preferred.
• Management experience with a proven ability to motivate, engage, manage performance, and work with staff, donors, volunteers, academic leaders, and faculty. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain performance improvement plans and to have difficult conversations.
• Strong working knowledge of annual/reunion, major, planned, and principal gift programs, including management of volunteer‑intensive fundraising.
• Solid public speaking, presentation, and written communication skills required.
• Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities and multitasking.
• Experience working effectively in a data‑driven decision‑making and management environment.
• Sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of giving principles and practices, with extremely high levels of professionalism, collegiality, self‑motivation, and organization.
• Solid analytical skills and motivation to learn and adapt to change.
• Great listening skills and ability to lead, influence, and persuade others.
• Professional disposition and ability to deal effectively and empathetically with people from all types of backgrounds and experiences in all difficult situations.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating problems accurately and displaying good, sound, and confidential judgment.

Additional Information

• A cover letter is a required component of the application.
• Role requires scheduling flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend commitments, and travel of approximately 10‑15%.
• Finalists may be asked to complete a skills assessment; additional details will be provided during the interview process.
• Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑employment screening: identity, education.

Work Format Details

This position may be performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department according to operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 061. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non‑discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.