Development Assistant, Harvard Gift Planning

Development Assistant, Harvard Gift Planning Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: General Administration Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Salary Grade: 053 Department: Alumni Affairs and Development FLSA Status: Non-exempt 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).

Reporting to a Gift Planning Officer this full-time non-exempt position on the Harvard Gift Planning (HGP) team supports the work of two Gift Planning Officers. The Development Assistant serves as principal administrative contact and liaison for external and internal constituencies including donors, alumni, faculty, senior academic leaders, and Harvard University colleagues.

Job-Specific Responsibilities: Provides administrative support to gift officers throughout the entire prospect management process including (but not limited to) prospect outreach, lead tracking and entering data into the alumni/donor database, data gathering and maintenance, scheduling, meeting preparation and follow-up on action items. Achieves proficiency in the alumni/donor database to research prospects, organize data and produce reports. Regularly updates the alumni /donor database to ensure all information is entered accurately and timely. Maintains calendars for gift officers, organizes meetings, and takes/distributes notes. Coordinates gift officers’ travel arrangements, reimbursements, and expenses in collaboration with the budget office. Develops and prepares necessary background and solicitation materials prior to prospect meetings and is responsible for follow-up, which may include provision of various materials, and entering contact/visit reports. Serves as a resource for colleagues and external stakeholders for policies, protocols, and procedures. Disseminates PGO policies, etc., via appropriate channels (e.g., Teams and The Source). Handle confidential information pertaining to donors, alumni and students with discretion. Interact with a wide variety of internal and external constituents with poise and professionalism. Anticipates and resolves problems to effectively fulfill these responsibilities. Research a wide variety of gift and academic areas to address questions from donors and their advisors.