Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development

Harvard Medical School (HMS) seeks a dynamic leader and ambitious fundraiser to serve as the Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D). This key role is designed for an individual passionate about advancing Harvard Medical School’s mission of medical research, scholarship, and education through innovative philanthropy and dynamic alumni engagement. The position offers a unique opportunity to build upon HMS’s strong philanthropic legacy to secure support aligned with the Dean’s vision for the future of HMS.

As a key member of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine’s executive leadership team, the Dean for AA&D will lead a team of approximately 50 development and alumni engagement professionals with an annual fundraising goal of greater than $200M. This leader will serve as the chief architect of HMS’s fundraising strategy, cultivating partnerships with influential donors, alumni, and stakeholders to unlock transformative giving opportunities. Mentoring, managing, retaining, and recruiting top-tier development staff are essential to success in this role and within the competitive Boston philanthropic community.

The Dean for AA&D will collaborate closely with the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, senior administration, faculty, the central university development organization, donors, prospects, and alumni to achieve institutional and departmental fundraising goals, align strategies with the school's mission, and assess future needs.

The Dean for AA&D will be tasked with cultivating and soliciting major donors, broadening our prospect pool, professionally and proactively stewarding existing donors, and actively engaging with the alumni community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute innovative strategies to expand donor relationships, steward existing supporters, and secure major, principal, and transformational gifts that align with HMS’s ambitious goals.
• Strengthen ties with a global network of 10,000 MD, Master’s, and PhD graduates, fostering lifelong connections to the institution and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement.
• Inspire and mentor a high-performing team, championing a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in fundraising and alumni relations.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, working closely with the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine to develop strategies for securing transformational gifts.
• Build strong partnerships with HMS faculty, volunteers, other Harvard schools, and the central development staff to align fundraising initiatives with institutional priorities.
• Spearhead large-scale fundraising campaigns, leveraging HMS’s strong philanthropic legacy to ensure sustained growth and impact.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 15 years of senior-level fundraising and leadership experience in a complex academic or scientific research environment.

• Proven track record of leading $100M fundraising campaigns or greater, expanding donor relationships, and securing major, principal, and transformative gifts in alignment with ambitious institutional priorities.
• Extensive experience managing volunteer programs and diverse major gift fundraising.
• Ability to engage and influence donors and build long-term relationships.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• High energy, passion, and enthusiasm for HMS’s mission.
• Transparent and collaborative leadership style, ensuring broad communication and active engagement from faculty and administrators.
• Ability to navigate complex environments, engage multiple stakeholders, and maintain leadership continuity amid changing priorities.

Why Join HMS?

Our mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

We invite you to apply if you are a strategic, innovative, and dynamic leader ready to drive meaningful impact.

• 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.