Strategic Development Leader for University Campaigns

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Development Strategy to lead internal processes and communications that support the top solicitation pipeline across the university, leveraging donor relations and strategic fundraising to maximize leadership time and impact.

The role requires deep understanding of prospects, data-driven planning, and cross-functional collaboration with AA&D, schools, and leadership, in a hybrid-office setting tied to campus activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and minimum of 10 years related experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop familiarity with the backgrounds and strategies for each of the University’s top prospects and donors.
• Manage the development and tracking of University top prospect lists, contributing to the creation of pipelines for senior leadership meetings and travel and liaising with fundraising partners across AA&D and the Schools.
• Provide strategic oversight of University Development’s $10M+ solicitation portfolio, including the coordination and advancement of complex solicitations requiring Gift Policy Committee review; ensure the integrity and quality of materials and equip the AVP of UDAS with the analysis, recommendations, and preparation needed for effective decision-making and committee engagement.
• Direct logistics for forums to develop and share plans for the University’s top prospects, including pipeline reviews and top prospect strategy discussions. Oversee communications and meeting materials and track on next steps and deliverables.
• Provide strategic leadership and cross-functional integration for Presidential and Provostial development activity, partnering across Advancement Communications, Events and Donor Relations, University Development, Philanthropic Partnerships, and the VPAAD Office to align priorities and ensure seamless execution of leadership-level communications and announcements, travel and meeting pipelines, and internal strategy and planning meetings.
• Manage the identification, recruitment, and management of membership of presidential committees, including soliciting input from Schools.

Skills

Prospect strategy

Fundraising experience

Communication skills

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Database management

Job description

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Development Strategy to lead internal processes and communications that support the top solicitation pipeline across the university, leveraging donor relations and strategic fundraising to maximize leadership time and impact.

The role requires deep understanding of prospects, data-driven planning, and cross-functional collaboration with AA&D, schools, and leadership, in a hybrid-office setting tied to campus activities.