Director of Development Strategy

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Director, Development Strategy, will manage and oversee the systems, processes, and internal communications that serve to support the pipeline of top solicitations University-wide and maximize the time and effectiveness of the Harvard University President and Provost. In a University campaign setting, this individual will manage activities related to internal planning, pipeline feasibility, and volunteer leadership. 

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of principal gift fundraising strategy and donor relations, along with the strategic judgment and ability to navigate organizational, data, and operational complexity, influence across functions, and lead the successful execution of high-priority initiatives. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop familiarity with the backgrounds and strategies for each of the University’s top prospects and donors.

• Manage the development and tracking of University top prospect lists, contributing to the creation of pipelines for senior leadership meetings and travel and liaising with fundraising partners across AA&D and the Schools.

• Provide strategic oversight of University Development’s $10M+ solicitation portfolio, including the coordination and advancement of complex solicitations requiring Gift Policy Committee review; ensure the integrity and quality of materials and equip the AVP of UDAS with the analysis, recommendations, and preparation needed for effective decision-making and committee engagement. 

• Direct logistics for forums to develop and share plans for the University’s top prospects, including pipeline reviews and top prospect strategy discussions. Oversee communications and meeting materials and track on next steps and deliverables. 

• Provide strategic leadership and cross-functional integration for Presidential and Provostial development activity, partnering across Advancement Communications, Events and Donor Relations, University Development, Philanthropic Partnerships, and the VPAAD Office to align priorities and ensure seamless execution of leadership-level communications and announcements, travel and meeting pipelines, and internal strategy and planning meetings. 

• Manage the identification, recruitment, and management of membership of presidential committees, including soliciting input from Schools. 

• Oversee University Development’s annual event request process. Support the execution of select special events with the President’s and Provost’s involvement, partnering with University Development colleagues to develop event strategy, collaborate with schools, create seating plans, and contribute to briefing content. 

• With University Development and Prospect Management, have responsibility for driving the work described above in ways that ensure alignment with the broader policy systems, and data considerations and activities related to university-wide prospect coordination and management.

• Manage and supervise the Assistant Director, Development Strategy, providing mentoring, training, and performance management reviews.

• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position.  It does not however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position. May take on other direct reports or assignments, as needed.

Working Conditions:

• Candidates must be willing to have a hybrid presence in the office and flexibility for in office as needed around manager needs and donor visits.