Assistant Director, Research and Prospect Management
04-Oct-2024
Assistant Director, Research and Prospect Management
Alumni Affairs and Development
67063BR
Job Summary
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).
Research & Prospect Management contributes to the fundraising efforts of Harvard by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information to direct and inform solicitation and engagement strategy for prospective donors. The team provides strategic information and analysis to Harvard’s fundraising community to ensure that efforts are focused on working with the right donors for the right gifts at the right time.
The Assistant Director provides high level, strategic research support and analysis for the University’s largest donors and prospects. They will identify and vet former, current and future prospects for critical initiatives across the University.
Position Description
- Maintain a portfolio of fundraising initiatives and/or departments and provide expertise in research, qualification, and prospect identification.
- Provide and direct high level, creative prospect identification and pipeline building strategies.
- Accurately and efficiently analyze complex financial disclosure documents, real estate and other wealth indicators for the purpose of determining accurate University Capacity Ratings.
- Provide strategic insights about prospect capacity, inclination and philanthropic behaviors that contribute to the overall fundraising strategy for the units supported.
- Use specialized electronic resources to gather and analyze information and work with confidential as well as publicly accessible information, with a view to assessing donor interest and alignment with the University.
- Develop focused research profiles, prospect lists, identifies networks and analysis of philanthropic interests for fundraising staff University-wide.
- Translate fundraising goals into actionable and strategic research and prospect identification efforts.
- Communicate complex information in an easily digestible fashion.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to Research Analysts.
- Balance various research outcomes, assess prioritization, and recommend strategies for assessing risk with fundraisers and other stakeholders.
- Apply extensive knowledge of resources to know when reasonable efforts have been exhausted.
- Keep abreast of current events, philanthropic trends, due diligence methodologies, and Harvard’s fundraising objectives.
- Demonstrates curiosity and continuous learning.
- Assesses fundraiser needs, accesses and analyzes information and resources relevant to work with minimal supervision.
- Mitigates risk to the University by identifying any reputational concerns and communicating them appropriately.
- Produces accurate, thorough, and professional work aligned with timing/deadline expectations.
- Takes initiative to identify strategies for providing actionable insights that help turn prospects into donors.
- Demonstrates curiosity, creative thinking and continuous learning.
- Assesses fundraiser needs, accesses and analyzes information and resources relevant to work with minimal supervision.
- Mitigates risk to the University by identifying any reputational concerns and communicating them appropriately.
- Produces accurate, thorough, and professional work aligned with timing/deadline expectations.
- Takes initiative to identify strategies for providing actionable insights that help turn prospects into donors.
- Acts on opportunities to partner across the organization, within and outside of their groups
Basic Qualifications
- A minimum of four (4) years of experience with wealth-related research or related experience, preferably in a development-related environment.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of analyzing complex financial SEC documents for purposes of wealth analysis.
- Academic, library or legal research will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Strong communication skills with experience to back up recommendations and strategies undertaken.
- Sound judgement and ability to make independent decisions regarding necessary levels and strategic direction of research needed per request.
- Proficiency at formulating an online search strategy.
- Experience with private company valuation and valuation of options, as well as analysis of hedge funds, venture capital and private equity for the purpose of determining estimated wealth and identifying upcoming wealth events.
- Proficiency with wealth indicators and ability to locate and analyze complex financial disclosure documents required.
- Proficiency with business terms, documents, and practices preferred.
- Ability to come to sound conclusions independently, showcasing a rational, logical, and efficient thought process.
- Clear and succinct written and verbal communication.
- Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information required.
- Proficiency at planning, organizing, and setting meaningful objectives, integrating the work of prospect research into overall advancement goals.
- Development experience preferred.
- Strong self-direction and self-motivation.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with people at all levels, and willingness to function as part of a team.
- Knowledge of specialized fee-based research databases helpful.
- Strong attention to accuracy and detail required.
- Ability to multi-task on different projects and initiatives and ability to work under strict deadlines.
Additional Information
- This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
- Please include a cover letter with your application.
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 position is eligible for 100% remote work. Employees may work from any 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, General Administration
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
358057 Admin Pro/Indiv Contrib
Work Format
Remote
Sub-Unit
------------
Salary Grade
057
Department
Alumni Affairs and Development
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Identity
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, 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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