Development Assistant, Donor Relations, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
16-Oct-2024
Development Assistant, Donor Relations, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Alumni Affairs and Development
67034BR
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).
As a member of the FAS Stewardship team, this full-time non-exempt position reports to the Senior Associate Director, whose primary focus is stewardship reporting and engagement efforts for FAS financial aid. The development assistant supports the stewardship team by compiling and editing data for various email and print mailings, writing and proofreading student bios, organizing mail merges, formatting reports, and independently overseeing the reporting processes for select financial aid donor constituencies. This team member is responsible for producing large complex mailings, producing reports for digital delivery via an online donor portal, printing acknowledgments and stewardship reports, maintaining record of donor contact in databases and in files, coordinating meetings, and ordering supplies. The position requires facility in data management, as well as strong writing, proofreading, and communication skills. Strong knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and Outlook are essential, along with an ability to learn how to use Harvard’s BSR Advance donor database, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and emerging related technologies. Experience formatting copy and images using page layout software desired. The development assistant must have the discretion to handle confidential materials.
Position Description
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of stewardship reports. Edit merged letters to ensure proper messaging, layout, and formatting. Partner with copyeditor and assistant director to complete final review of letters, coordinate with signatory offices (Griffin Director of Financial Aid and the FAS Dean’s Office), manage uploading of materials to sharing platforms, and ensure postage, e-mailing via Salesforce Marketing Cloud, as necessary. For select donor constituencies, development assistant will be responsible for independently managing reporting process. (25%)
- Manage process for developing and delivering communications to donors and beneficiaries. Prepare email templates, cover letters, and biographies. Format photographs. Assist with writing and editing as needed. Manage print production and prepare list reviews and memos for stakeholders. (20%)
- Pull, format, and shape data for communications, using Advance, FileMaker Pro, and Qlikview. Track metrics for electronic communications. Maintain post-production data to ensure that mailings and workflow are properly tracked in Advance database. Maintain record of contact in digital and paper files as needed. (20%)
- Assist broader stewardship team with printing, signing, and mailing of acknowledgments and stewardship communications, as well as project-based research, writing, formatting, and editing/proofreading in the generation of stewardship correspondence from staff and senior administrators. (25%)
- Provide customer service to internal staff members and external clients, such as donors, students, and/or alumni. Assist in fielding requests and working with colleagues in the Griffin Financial Aid Office. (10%)
- The above covers the most significant responsibilities of this position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.
Basic Qualifications
- 1-2 years of related experience, education beyond high school may count toward experience.
- Solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management and page layout. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook required, with ability to execute extensive mail merges.
- Solid knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to accurately proofread and edit correspondence under the signature of senior administrators, as well as assist in researching and writing.
- Must be able to regularly commute to and work full days from Cambridge, MA, campus (minimum 2 days per week). Ability to learn and independently operate office equipment including printers, scanners, postage meters, and signature machines, as well as carry bulky items, such as mailing bins.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- BA/BS degree or equivalent preferred.
- Office experience and familiarity with higher education, donor relations, development communications, or nonprofit administration preferred.
- Familiarity with databases, including FileMaker Pro and BSR Advance, as well as page layout software such as Adobe InDesign preferred. Must have ability to learn new software tools.
- Must be professional, diplomatic, positive, and adaptable, with strong interpersonal and communication skills and able to collaborate and build good working relationships with colleagues, administrators, students, vendors, and alumni. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to juggle multiple complex tasks accurately under deadline pressure. Must be able to work independently, conscientiously, and proactively. Takes initiative and follows through. Must have ability to handle confidential materials with discretion and display sound judgment. Able to think strategically, creatively, and conceptually.
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 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, General Administration
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
403033 Staff Assistant III
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit
------------
Salary Grade
053
Department
Alumni Affairs and Development
Union
55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
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.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-JP1