Career Center

This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this position will be remote until further notice.

Alumni Affairs and Development (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 determine their development efforts, leads fundraising for University principal gifts, initiatives and international fundraising, and coordinates cultivation and stewardship strategies for a select group of top prospects.

This writing-intensive position works with the University Donor Relations and Engagement and Content Strategy teams within the University Development Office, providing broad communications support for Harvard's most generous donors, drafting pieces for both broad and focused donor engagement, and producing stewardship research and writing. Responsibilities include supporting University-wide fundraising priorities through cultivation and solicitation materials, narrative stewardship, presidential correspondence, and communications for top-level recognition programs such as the Committee on University Resources (COUR) and Harvard's Global Advisory Council (GAC). These responsibilities require broad research, writing in a variety of formats, and coordinating with fundraising, donor relations, communications, and event colleagues across the University.

• Working closely with the senior associate director, develops supporting communication materials for GAC and COUR, including drafting language for event invitations, targeted audience outreach, follow-up emails, and event websites. Coordinates approval and implementation processes. May prepare briefing materials and talking points for faculty, students, and staff members related to events.
• Conducts research and interviews staff, students, and faculty on the use of new and existing funds in order to create compelling, meaningful, and highly individualized stewardship reports and other content on for the donors whose generosity made those funds possible. Reports are drafted for the signature of the president, provost, and other senior administrators. Determines how to present content, including design, digital components, and visual presentation of data.
• Produces donor-facing cultivation and solicitation materials and fundraiser education materials for the University's top priorities and cross-School initiatives, as well as other projects that will benefit from strong familiarity with cross-team content and resources.
• Researches and drafts correspondence for the president and provost, particularly as it relates to donor events. Serves as part of core team reviewing and replying to alumni and donor emails in response to messages from leadership. May provide year-end support for presidential gift acknowledgments when needed.
• May participate in publicizing new gifts, as well as writing and curating content for email newsletters, websites, and other external channels in coordination with the Marketing & Publications group of the Content Strategy team. Content includes alumni and donor stories for newsletters.
• Serves an editor and proofreader for documents produced by colleagues in University Donor Relations and Engagement and Content Strategy.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other appropriate and legitimate duties that may be required.

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

• A minimum of five years of experience in higher education, development, or related field.
• College degree from an accredited institution required.
• A strong and versatile writer.

• Writing, editing, and proofreading experience necessary. Must pay exceptional attention to details and accuracy.
• Research, analytical, and creative skills are important. Ability to translate complex content into compelling programming for a sophisticated and diverse audience.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to establish and promote good working relationships with alumni, colleagues, faculty, administrators, students, and vendors.
• Demonstrates good judgment and a commitment to problem solving and working cooperatively across teams to gain consensus, develop new ideas, and drive program development. Flexible and resourceful.
• Energetic, motivated to learn, and curious about academia.
• Highly organized. Able to balance multiple projects, prioritize work appropriately, and adapt easily to changing priorities.
• Works well as a member of a large and complex team and independently, taking initiative on projects as appropriate.
• Must be able to treat confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
• Strong computer skills with the capability to master new software applications and technologies, including project management software and databases.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.