Senior Executive Director, University Development

Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Insurance (medical/dental/vision)

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University Central Administration (CADM) seeks an innovative fundraising leader to oversee University Development within AA&D, including corporate and foundation relations, international philanthropy, and principal gifts. The Senior Executive Director will drive a proactive fundraising strategy and donor relationship management across central priorities and School-based needs.

Reporting to the AVP for UDAS, the role emphasizes data-informed approaches, collaboration, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 15 years of fundraising and management experience, preferably in higher education.
• Strong fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to solicit seven- and eight-figure gifts.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends for donor meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive central fundraising unit aligning goals across areas and evaluating impact.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and talent management for direct reports, including hiring and development.
• Foster bold fundraising strategy and portfolio management with cross‑team collaboration.
• Manage a limited portfolio of principal and major gift prospects and solicit high‑level gifts.
• Collaborate with UDAS colleagues to leverage systems and technology for fundraising initiatives.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relationship management

Team leadership

Strategic fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

CRM software

Videoconferencing 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.

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 Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

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).

Job Description

Harvard seeks an innovative and experienced fundraising leader and strategic thinker to oversee University Development within AA&D, including corporate and foundation relations, international philanthropy, priorities & initiatives, and principal gifts ($10M-$100M).

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Senior Executive Director will serve as a member of the UDAS senior leadership team and work in close coordination with senior academic and development leaders across Harvard. They will develop, implement, and oversee a proactive fundraising strategy to advance University priorities, which include School-based priorities as well as central and University-wide priorities as defined by the President and Provost, while ensuring excellent donor relationship management. A successful candidate will have demonstrated success in developing or implementing rigorous data-informed approaches to grow fundraising, with a commitment to collaboration, collegiality, and strong donor relationship management informed by shared trust. The Senior Executive Director will manage a modest portfolio of prospects with a primary focus on management activities that facilitate the success of University Development staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversee a comprehensive central University fundraising unit that incorporates the goals of each fundraising area (corporate and foundation relations, international philanthropy, priorities & initiatives, and principal gifts). Prepare goal setting and evaluations of the program’s impact.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and talent management for the direct reports of this position including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, professional development, training, and performance management. Support managers within the team in their talent management activities.
• Foster an environment of boldness, creativity, and accountability in fundraising strategy and portfolio management through direct coaching, prospect strategy reviews, and goal setting. Collaborate closely with research and prospect management and other AA&D partners to grow the pipeline, optimize frontline portfolios, and evaluate regional or content-based areas of focus.
• Manage a limited portfolio of principal and major gift prospects. Facilitate productive relationships between donors, senior administrators, and other staff to solicit individuals for high- level gifts in support of fundraising priorities. Model best practices by developing strategies for building successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• With the AVP for UDAS, identify areas of opportunity to leverage systems, tools, technology, and expertise across UDAS in service to existing or developing fundraising strategies and priority initiatives.
• Ensure strong communication and partnership with colleagues in Advancement Communications and Donor Relations in developing donor recognition and stewardship plans and messaging, content, and gift opportunities informed by University fundraising strategy. Serve as key partner in development and oversight of University-level committees and recognition programs.
• Promote University Development’s support of and partnership in the work of the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropic Partnerships, including but not limited to, the identification and cultivation of future or emerging nine-figure gift prospects.

Working Conditions

Candidates must be willing to have a hybrid presence in the office and flexibility for in office as needed around manager needs and donor visits.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 15 years of fundraising and management experience, preferably in higher education.
• Strong fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to manage relationships with donors and successfully solicit seven- and eight-figure gifts.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel as necessary for donor and colleague meetings and events.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement sophisticated fundraising strategies for the successful cultivation and solicitation of major and principal gifts.
• Verified success in building and managing a high-performing team. Ability to create and drive strategic planning, develop annual team and individual goals and work plans, and monitor performance based on both quantitative and qualitative factors.
• Proven success in leading through change and developing relationships across a complex organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively engage with all levels of staff, leadership, donors, donors' financial and legal advisors.
• Ability to express concisely and persuasively the mission and priorities of the University to all people of differing temperaments, backgrounds, and philosophies.
• Ability to apply good judgment and discretion when dealing with highly confidential donor and prospect information.
• Computer literacy required; must have experience with Windows-based PCs, prospect databases, and videoconferencing platforms.

Additional Information

Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

• Orientation and Review Period: 6 months
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon 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 062. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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.