Director of Development Strategy

Grade: 060 Department: Alumni Affairs and Development FLSA Status: 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 the Associate Vice President for University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Director, Development Strategy, will manage and oversee the systems, processes, and internal communications that serve to support the pipeline of top solicitations University-wide and maximize the time and effectiveness of the Harvard University President and Provost. In a University campaign setting, this individual will manage activities related to internal planning, pipeline feasibility, and volunteer leadership. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of principal gift fundraising strategy and donor relations, along with the strategic judgment and ability to navigate organizational, data, and operational complexity, influence across functions, and lead the successful execution of high-priority initiatives.

Job-Specific 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