Development Assistant, International Advancement

20-Sep-2022

Alumni Affairs and Development

59849BR

Job Summary

This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)
AA&D comprises the University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). There is a unique relationship between the University and the FAS fundraising operations, resulting from a long history in which University fundraising ultimately grew out of College fundraising.

University Development Office (UDO)
UDO works closely with the President and Provost, and their teams, to advance the University’s goals through their development activity; leads fundraising for University principal gifts, initiatives, and international fundraising; and coordinates cultivation and stewardship strategies for a select group of top donors.

SUMMARY:
This full-time non-exempt position in the University Development Office supports the work of two managers: Senior Director of International Advancement and Director of International Advancement for Asia. This role serves as principal administrative contact and liaison for external and internal constituencies including donors, alumni, deans, faculty, and Harvard University colleagues. The Development Assistant has direct responsibility for the support of and coordination of calendars of both managers. The role will manage and support all background work for prospect portfolios and support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity including supporting fundraisers’ travel, correspondence, meetings, and events. This position works closely as a member of a four-person team and that includes working closely with the Development Coordinator for International Advancement.

A successful candidate must be flexible and able to work in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing demands to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely and thorough manner. Organization, work ethic, and strong communication skills are also essential.  Must be composed and able to interact professionally with a wide range of high-level constituents.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

Position Description

• Provide general office support, responding to phone and email inquiries, and maintaining calendars. Assist with managing projects, tasks and workflow.
• Designs, organizes, and implements administrative systems and procedures, performing necessary support duties for 2 senior fundraisers.
• Prepare meeting materials and recording the proceedings of meetings.
• Draft correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations
• Draft briefing materials and internal memos as advised.
• Organize prospect lists and complete basic analysis and research
• Manage expense reports.
• Manage fundraisers’ portfolios and maintain up-to-date database records.
• Managing supervisor’s schedules
• Organize and arrange meetings involving multiple parties across the University.
• Coordinate complicated national and international travel arrangements for University leadership, faculty, and senior staff. Also responsible for scheduling and coordinating the use of facilities, services and all required arrangements to support the team.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum one-two years of related experience.  Education beyond high school may count towards experience.
• Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management.
• Excellent skills in the functional use of Microsoft Office, mail merges and report generation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Must be detail oriented, able to prioritize work and to work independently.
• Evidence of the analytic and research skills to gather and determine essential data from a variety of written and individual sources. Familiarity with databases helpful and familiarity with BSR Advance is ideal.
• Must be focused and motivated to learn and be flexible to change.
• Must have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and must take the initiative to maintain a strong work ethic at all times.
• Must be able to develop excellent relationships with members of the university community.
• Must be professional and able to handle confidential information.
• Must have definite capability to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound, and confidential judgment with excellent diplomatic skills.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team. Must be able to complete assignments working independently and with a minimum amount of supervision.
• Knowledge of fundraising in a non-profit setting helpful.

Additional Information

This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
Please include a cover letter with your application.

About Harvard University
Harvard University, based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, was established in 1636 and is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The University is home to over 20,000 students and employs 18,000 people, making us the fifth-largest employer in Massachusetts. Harvard is a special place, filled with diverse, energetic, and talented people who are driven to grow and succeed. By working here, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard’s world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise.

Why AA&D?
We are a dedicated team of 400 alumni affairs and development professionals supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through roles that include front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, events, communications, prospect management and research, business process, talent management and many other areas.

Harvard’s Alumni Affairs and Development team inspires and galvanizes alumni, friends, and members of the University community to support Harvard through philanthropy, governance, and active engagement. AA&D believes a workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and our ever-evolving University constituency makes us a stronger and more effective organization. Our goal is to create an environment of respect that values the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community, 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. AA&D strives to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, innovation and sharing of information in our daily interactions and our work.

To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.harvard.edu/.

Discover AA&D and Harvard University Benefits

• Opportunities for internal advancement
• A creative, high- energy, collaborative environment
• Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day
• University-funded retirement plans
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
• Health and wellness discounts, memberships and programs

Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards.

Accommodations: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know.

Vaccine Requirements:  The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 

Job Function

Alumni Affairs and Development, General Administration

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

403033 Staff Assistant III

Department

Alumni Affairs and Development

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.