Development Officer

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will engage prospective donors and Harvard faculty and staff in developing and executing funding strategies that yield global impact. The ideal candidate will have a track record of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, and familiarity with a network of space science philanthropists. Important to the success of this position is knowledge of or ability to learn Astronomy and telescope topics, and the aptitude to learn quickly and be conversant about Harvard’s work in this area. With the support of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), Harvard scholars tackle scientific challenges in the classroom, at telescopes and in the laboratory. Their work not only advances cutting-edge space science, but also informs and influences government, industry, civil society, and communities, helping to shape the future of the field.

 

Reporting to the Director of the HCO and working in close coordination with colleagues in Harvard University Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), the Development Officer will spend approximately 80 percent of time actively fundraising for the Giant Magellan Telescope and other HCO activities, with 20 percent of time spent on administrative duties. This individual will develop strategies to introduce the HCO to new prospects; qualify their interest and capacity to give; and develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned donors.  The individual will develop and cultivate relationships with existing HCO donors and patrons.  The individual will advise and manage the development and implementation of select HCO events that serve to engage potential donors and patrons. The position will partner closely with the Director of HCO and the Executive Director of HCO. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record of success in fundraising from unaffiliated prospects, or for programs without inherent constituencies. This individual must have a strong foundation in research and donor discovery work, and an ability to translate and convey complex scientific concepts to donors. Also important to the success of this position is deep and broad knowledge of or ability to rapidly develop deep and broad knowledge of astronomy issues and the various perspectives and nuances of the astrophysics field across many sub-disciplines, and the aptitude to learn quickly and be conversant about Harvard’s work in this area. Extensive travel may be required to accomplish these goals.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Development Officer will:

• Secure funding for research projects, and public engagement, focusing on the Giant Magellan Telescope and other endeavors of the HCO. Approach philanthropic engagement with a donor-focused lens and listen for interests that match the needs of the HCO. Manage a portfolio of primarily six, seven, and eight-figure prospects. Engage prospects and develop solicitation strategies.  Match donor interest with funding priorities. Generate proposals and gift documentation. Work with colleagues in the HCO and AA&D on recognition and stewardship plans and craft stewardship reports. 

• Serve as Astronomy subject matter expert in Harvard University’s development organization. Advise communications and engagement strategies and inform the case for support and gift opportunities. Manage communications with donors, alumni and patrons of HCO.  Serve as a resource for fundraisers and donors with questions about Astronomy; attend joint visits as appropriate. 

• Using the Development Officer’s own network of philanthropists, and networks of faculty and alumni affiliated with the Department of Astronomy, identify prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, with a focus on previously unaffiliated sources to build their portfolio. Qualify potential prospects through personal interaction and connecting potential donors to faculty and academic leadership.

• In coordination with other FAS/UNV development events, advise and manage the development and implementation of select HCO events that serve to engage potential donors and patrons.

• Coordinate with fellow fundraisers across AA&D on any outreach to alumni and other previously affiliated prospects, recording interactions with all external entities. Build strong working relationships with centrally based colleagues in FAS Development and with other school-based fundraising partners. Work openly and collaboratively with fundraiser partners, coordinating on shared prospects. 

• Manage involvement of the Director of the HCO and Astronomy faculty members in fundraising, including preparing visit briefings, staffing meetings with donors, and arranging for appropriate follow up.

• Travel regularly, both nationally and internationally, staffing visits with the HCO Director, Executive Director, and select faculty for donor engagement and events. 

• Position will have adequate administrative support in the HCO.

• Adhere to all Harvard University prospect management and gift acceptance processes and policies.

• Responsible for timely entry of contact reports and the accurate upkeep of prospect stage and solicitation records in the alumni database to ensure cross-departmental and school transparency and effectiveness.¿ 

• Other duties as assigned.

 

Working Conditions:

 

• Must be able to work nights/weekends and travel as needed.

• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid, as directed by FAS.

• The selected candidate will need to be on campus in Cambridge, MA as business needs require. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business

 

Physical Requirements:

• Working on a computer for prolonged periods of time.

• Sitting/standing at a desk for prolonged periods of time.

• Moving around event spaces (event space setup/teardown, pushing/pulling carts with event materials up to 50 lbs., and climbing ladders).

• Climbing stairs/steps (when at 60 Garden Street).

• Must provide your own transportation to be able to meet up with local donors.