Director, Prospect Development

The Director, Prospect Development, is responsible for leading the prospect management and research programs for Development and Alumni Relations at Harvard Law School. Working in close consultation with senior leaders and frontline fundraising teams, this role applies expertise and experience to plan, develop, and implement high level prospect management and research strategies for HLS fundraising teams to ensure that strategies align with Law School fundraising goals. The director provides leadership in setting the strategic direction for prospect identification and qualification, proactive research, and prospect strategy. This position plays a critical role in building and growing a sustainable donor pipeline.

As Director you will:

• Serve as a strategic partner with frontline fundraising staff, including the Dean for Development, to provide a wide range of support with prospect management, prospect identification and alumni and prospect research.
• Plan, develop, and implement prospect research strategies that provide information needed to maximize philanthropic engagement.
• Provide leadership for the prospect management system, tracking prospect moves from identification through stewardship. Provide training and guidance to gift officers. Oversees regular comprehensive portfolio reviews.
• Proactively identify opportunities for prospect identification and qualification for purposes of pipeline development.
• Develop focused research profiles, due diligence research, prospect lists, capacity ratings, and identifies networks and analysis of philanthropic interests for major HLS and University prospects.
• Establish and maintain production and quality control standards for materials produced by the unit with regard to accuracy, content, presentation, and consistency. Identifies ways to improve the dissemination and storage of information.
• Use in house and external resources to identify new prospects.
• Interpret biographical and financial information on individuals, corporations and foundations based on fundraising strategies and objectives. Keeps abreast of current events, best practices, and philanthropic trends.
• Develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures. Oversees onboarding and training for new development staff on prospect research and prospect management policies and procedures.
• Work in close partnership with University-wide Prospect Development directors to implement best in class research strategies, identify shared projects, assess practices around due diligence, and ensure synergy around research tools and products.
• Oversee a team of three, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of research and prospect management processes across the department.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Minimum of 8 years’ experience in philanthropic research and prospect management, preferably within higher education.

We are looking for people who:

• Are experienced leaders and problem solvers, with the ability to apply sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Have research expertise that includes prospect identification and prioritization; analysis of wealth indicators and the ability to establish individual capacity ratings; locating and synthesizing material from multiple sources; experience with predictive modeling and data analysis.
• Have extensive knowledge of research and data mining tools and relational databases.
• Possess effective written and verbal communications skills and ability to manage relationships across diverse groups.
• Have ability to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines and changing priorities.
• Possess and promote a curiosity for how to improve processes and be open to deploying new technologies or perspectives to improve work environment and work quality to accomplish goals.
• Have a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

• 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.