Content Strategist, Academic and Development Planning
Harvard University Alumni Affairs and Development
Application
Details
Posted: 16-Jan-25
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 67692BR
Job Summary
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) 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 University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
This full-time position is responsible for numerous content writing, research, and editorial project management functions for the Academic and Development Planning (ADP) team, part of the FAS Development Planning, Operations, and Donor Engagement group within FAS Development, under the supervision of the Director, Academic and Development Planning.
Position Description
This position will write content in support of a portfolio of FAS programs, initiatives, and priorities, with responsibility for organizing, researching, fact-checking, and writing compelling fundraising marketing materials, including gift opportunities, gift menus and proposals, for top priorities of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) in support of major and principal gift fundraising.
This position requires the ability to maintain strong and positive working relationships with development colleagues and members of the FAS administration. The successful candidate should demonstrate a high level of organization, resourcefulness, and discretion.
Applies knowledge of FAS programs and initiatives, fundraising priorities, and gift opportunity best practices to writing content in support of a portfolio of FAS fundraising priorities, and in partnership with the Director, researches and writes compelling, accurate, and persuasive gift proposal, gift menus, and related marketing content in support of major and principal gift fundraising.
With supervision from the Director, acts as a liaison between FAS Development and administrative and academic offices in the FAS.
With supervision from the Director, and in collaboration with members of the ADP team, drafts content for and coordinates editorial workflow of select major gift proposals, multi-portfolio proposals, gift menus and related donor-facing materials, using InDesign to design approved copy into content formats.
Provides writing and research support for a variety of ADP team projects, which may include priorities concept papers, cases, gift proposals, priorities education and training materials and presentations, and internal communications.
Works on special projects as assigned, including coordination of ad-hoc committees and responsibility for evaluative projects.
Cultivates and maintains relationships between ADP and other departments AA&D, including frontline fundraising teams, Operations, FAS Gift Policy and Terms, Alumni & Development Services, Development Communications, Donor Relations, and the University Development Office.
Attends required AA&D and FAS training sessions, meetings, and events.
The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, which would be in conformity with the level of the position.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor?s degree or equivalent experience.
A minimum of 3 years? full-time experience in university fundraising or transferable experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Marketing, communications, and/or fundraising background is highly desirable. Previous experience with major and principal gifts fundraising, development communications, and project management preferred. Knowledge of higher education a plus.
Must be highly organized and detail oriented, with excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to write persuasively and accurately, proofread, and apply a style guide.
Must have excellent client-services skills, with the ability to be flexible and to prioritize and handle multiple and disparate projects in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to establish and promote good working relationships with colleagues, faculty, and administrators.
Additional Information
This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
Please include a cover letter with your application.
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/.
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.
COVID 19 Vaccination Information: The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
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.
About Harvard University Alumni Affairs and Development
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.