Stewardship Officer, Graduate Programs, FAS Donor Relations (67874BR)

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 position develops and implements stewardship plans for donors who have made major and principal gifts to Harvard College and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). The officer will manage a high-volume stewardship and acknowledgement portfolio; independently build strong working relationships with the GSAS Deans’ Office, GSAS Finance and Financial Aid Officers, and others; gather information on annual fund use and creates impact reports; drive the schedule of stewardship reporting for graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarship funds; create content for other programs, such as Professorships; evaluate donors/funds to steward and develop a prioritized reporting schedule; serve as a liaison between fund administrators, frontline fundraisers, and donors; help resolve donor relations issues; communicate with campus units regarding donors’ intentions and ensure adherence to gift terms; and document stewardship communications.

Position Description

Independently develop and implement stewardship plans for graduate fellowships and other GSAS funds

• Evaluate and steward a portfolio of GSAS funds, adding more as new gifts are received; develop a prioritized reporting schedule.
• Drive GSAS acknowledgments program, assessing new gifts for acknowledgment, drafting original content, and securing the approval of AA&D and GSAS stakeholders.
• Oversee process of collecting fellowship student assignments, notify students of awards, and invite students to complete a survey on their work to include in reports. Ensure information is recorded in database. Partner withStewardship Finance and Administration colleagues to collect annual fund use information.
• Resolve student assignment issues and verify compliance with fund terms. Resolve issues surrounding fund spending.
• Create original stewardship packages under the signature of administrators. Collaborate with administrators and fundraisers to develop strategic messaging; curate student information and collect supplementary information; personalize communications for major donors in collaboration with gift officers. Review and approve copy with stakeholders and signatories. Ensure reports are timely and compelling.
• Create efficiencies in process for producing stewardship reports, using templates, streamlining bio creation, and recommending student survey improvements. Ensure donors receive timely compelling stewardship reports.
• Serves as a liaison with GSAS gift officers and Finance and Administration and the College Dean’s office. Collaborate with GSAS specialists on Academic & Development Coordination team; serve as local expert on impact of philanthropy at GSAS for gift officers and staff.
• Participate in graduate student engagement activities: educate students about the importance of philanthropy, help identify and recruit students for development events, promote donor-beneficiary meetings, and manage student thank-you programs.
  
  

Research and draft content for FAS funds

• Write letters for the signature of deans and administrators, adapting writing style to conform to appropriate voice and stakeholder feedback.
• Compile, draft and format detailed information (text, photographs, data) for narrative reports on fund use and impact.
• Follow style guides to ensure reports are produced quickly, efficiently, and with consistency.
  
  

Adheres to all departmental and University policies and procedures

• Record and update tasks and plans in Advance promptly.
• Ensure donor communications are proofread and reviewed by appropriate fundraisers and managers; proofread for colleagues as needed.
• Maintain style and position process operational manuals.
• Participates in departmental, FAS, and AA&D staff meetings.
• Maintain professional knowledge through networking and coursework.
• Utilizes all resources available to complete comprehensive research.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position but doesn’t exclude other appropriate duties.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• College degree from an accredited institution required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of work experience, preferably in higher education and/or professional writing and program management, preferably in fundraising and/or donor relations.
  
  

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with University leadership, administrators, faculty, and colleagues within AA&D, and at all levels across the University, to generate interest and participation in stewardship activities.
• Superb writer/editor, with a strong command of English grammar, and a sophisticated understanding of donor relations.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with project management experience. Ability to work independently on multiple tasks, meet deadlines, prioritize work appropriately, and adapt flexibly to changing priorities. Demonstrates strong work ethic and an inclination to take initiative, be proactive, and follow through.
• Requires strong research, analytical, strategic, and creative skills. Must pay exceptional attention to details and accuracy. Must have innate ability to resourcefully obtain information and overcome obstacles with skill and tact.
• Must be able to work with highly confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Must have proven capability to evaluate problems accurately, think strategically about complex issues, and display good, sound, and confidential judgment. Able to generate ideas and solutions to problems.
• Able to effectively communicate in a leadership environment, make presentations, lead and participate in meetings, and gain the commitment of others.
• Able to provide superior service and respond to inquiries from donors, administrators, and colleagues across the University.
• Demonstrates a wide-ranging knowledge of current affairs, particularly in higher education and research, plus curiosity, imagination, and a genuine interest in the ongoing affairs of the University.
• Excellent computer skills; proficiency with all aspects of Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to successfully utilize the Ellucian Advance database. Familiarity with or aptitude to learn Adobe InDesign, FileMaker Pro, and Web publishing platforms as needed.
  
  

Additional Information

• This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
• Please include a cover letter with your application.
  
  

To learn more about the AA&D team, please visit our Careers site at https://alumni.harvard.edu/careers

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.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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.
  
  

Job Function

Alumni Affairs and Development, Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

405004 Comm Professional (N)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

056

Department

Alumni Affairs and Development

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, 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.

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