What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Principal Gifts position at Harvard University?

Position Description

The External Relations team at Harvard Business School (HBS) is dedicated to strengthening the lifelong relationship between alumni and the School by delivering meaningful engagement and learning and by inspiring philanthropy that supports and extends the HBS mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world. Our organization is unequivocally committed to the core values of racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and empowers all staff to embody these principles in our internal work with colleagues and our external work with alumni, donors, and friends of the School.

Following the conclusion of a successful campaign which raised $1.4B – the largest campaign in the history of graduate business education – and deepened relationships between alumni and the institution, Harvard Business School remains committed to leadership in the advancement field. Propelled through the pandemic by a spirit of innovation and with a dean who has articulated an ambitious and bold set of priorities for the future, now is an exciting time to join the External Relations team at HBS. We recently combined the former major gifts and principal gifts teams into a single group to better leverage the strengths and synergies of these teams and to more accurately reflect the donor constituency and the work that is possible in an HBS context.

We now seek a seasoned fundraising officer to help our Principal Gifts team build from a foundation of success to expand philanthropic efforts and impact at the School. Reporting to the Director of Development, Principal Gifts, the Director, Principal Gifts is a key member of the Harvard Business School (HBS) frontline fundraising team and is responsible for securing 7 figure philanthropic commitments for HBS. You will :

Manage the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 125 households.
Develop strategies to maximize philanthropy to HBS from their portfolio, partnering often with colleagues from across the broader External Relations (ER) organization, the School, and the University.
In collaboration with colleagues across ER, engage in the development and execution of strategic engagement activities to support development objectives.
This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required.

At least 7 years of frontline fundraising or related experience is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

A strong command of fundraising principles (including experience with annual giving and planned giving in a philanthropic giving setting).

The ability to develop, implement, and assess effective donor-centered fundraising strategies.

A proven fundraising track record that includes directly soliciting, negotiating, and closing six and seven-figure gifts, preferably in an academic setting.

A high level of organization and professionalism, an ability to think creatively and be open to new ideas, and a commitment to the HBS mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world.

Excellent interpersonal skills to relate to donors, volunteers, and colleagues, including excellent judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in and outside of the organization.

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills, detail-orientation, and ability to self-motivate.

Willingness to be an enthusiastic contributor to the Principal Gifts team and the broader ER community.

Must have a natural affinity for collaboration, leading through influence, and a high level of emotional intelligence and curiosity.

Must be drawn to a challenge and exhibit patience in advancing solutions across a complex and highly matrixed organization.

Willing and able to travel and, as needed, to work evenings and weekends.

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and / or via Zoom) and / or in-person for this role.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Culture of Inclusion : The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences.

About Us

Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 250 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and PhD degrees, as well as more than 175 Executive Education programs, and Harvard Business School Online, the School’s digital learning platform.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include :

Paid Time Off : 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December / January, 3 personal days per year, 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.

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.

Commuting and Transportation : Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office.

Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks : Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, and discounts to various types of services and cultural activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Alumni Affairs and Development

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

303059 Development Sr Specialist

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

Department

external relations

Annual Salary Range

Commensurate with experience.

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

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Salary : $5,250

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