Careers

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.

Summary:
Researches, drafts edits, and proofreads personalized gift acknowledgements on behalf of the president. Working with fundraisers and colleagues across Harvard, writes letters to the University's most generous donors and alumni, developing new language or editing existing text as needed. Manages a high volume of writing with fast turnaround time, accuracy, and attention to detail. Helps maintain accurate correspondence records. Assists colleagues on the University Donor Relations and Engagement team with additional projects as needed, including other presidential and provostial correspondence, research, and long-form reporting.

• Creates presidential acknowledgements for donors. Reviews donor records, analyzes gifts, and researches gift terms and donors' relationships across the University, using internal database and information from stewardship and fundraising officers.
• Maintains high standards for quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery of all work. Ensures that letters are free of errors and accurately describe the gift, and that content, grammar, and style conform to departmental standards.
• Interacts with fundraisers across the University and consults multiple sources to obtain and evaluate information. Determines the responsible contact person for each gift, and works with each colleague on an individual basis to draft and revise letters. Adapts or creates language to reflect analysis of gathered data.
• Collaborates with writers in department to ensure that the highest priority projects are completed in a timely manner. Maintains a flexible and collaborative attitude while constantly reassessing priorities and balancing tasks to ensure maximum three-week turnaround of presidential gift acknowledgments.
• Develops new language to reflect changes in fundraising objectives and leadership. Contributes to the creation of a file of language to be used by entire correspondence team. Collects and shares information on University initiatives, giving areas, and prospects.
• Enters correspondence records into internal database, keeps accurate electronic and paper files as necessary, and works with Alumni & Development Services to correct or supplement entries in donor's records. Occasionally performs administrative duties such as copying, mailing, and filing to ensure timely work and accurate records.
• Takes on all additional assignments in line with the department's objectives, including, but not limited to, researching and writing donor biographies, additional correspondence, and stewardship reports
• Works both independently and as part of a team, multitasking when necessary, managing time and workflow with minimal supervision
• 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.

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

• College coursework in journalism, communications, creative writing, or related experience. Two or more years of writing, fundraising, or equivalent experience.

• College degree preferred.
• Strong writing, revising, editing, and proofreading skills; a comprehensive knowledge of English grammar and usage; attention to detail and accuracy as a proofreader
• Commitment to client and customer service
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and accommodate revisions through several rounds of review
• Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management; proficiency with Word and Excel

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.