Job details

Development Assistant, University Development Office

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.

University Development Office (UDO)
UDO works closely with the President and Provost, and their teams, to advance the University’s goals through their development activity; leads fundraising for University principal gifts, initiatives, and international fundraising; and coordinates cultivation and stewardship strategies for a select group of top donors.

This position provides administrative support to the Associate Vice President for the University Development Office (UDO) and the Senior Executive Director of UDO.

Position Description

Owning responsibility for managing the calendars for the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director, with the direction of the Director of Development Administration and Planning. This work includes scheduling complex group meetings and individual appointments, proactively managing conflicts as they arise, and regularly communicating updates, challenges, and opportunities for efficiency.
Collecting and tracking agenda items and materials for meetings run by the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director. When appropriate, attends meetings to take notes and manage follow up.
Reconciling expenses for the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director, including all Concur expense reports.
Serving as a liaison to AA&D’s budget, facilities, and IT staff on behalf of the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director on issues related to technology, equipment, space, and budget issues/questions.
As a representative of the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director by developing and maintaining positive working relationships and effectively communicating regularly with colleagues in all AA&D units and in the Schools, as well as with staff in the Office of the President and Provost and other University offices.
Providing general office support, including responding to email inquiries, maintaining electronic files in MS Teams and SharePoint, Advance updates for the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director assigned prospects and pulling various development reports.
Undertaking independent projects as needed.
Books travel for the Associate Vice President and Senior Executive Director as needed.
The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the role. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

Basic Qualifications

One to two years of related office experience.
Exceptional customer service skills, strong writing ability, and attention to detail necessary.
Microsoft office proficiency required.
Must occasionally work weekend and evening hours.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

1-2 years of calendar management preferred.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and flexible.
Motivated to learn and open to change.
Ability to handle multiple tasks accurately and under pressure.
Professional, collaborative, proactive, and takes initiative.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and can establish and promote good working relationships with colleagues and partners in AA&D, across the University, and outside of Harvard. Should display excellent speaking, writing, and client services skills, including professional phone and email etiquette.
Must have the ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.
Should possess solid computer skills in a PC environment with the capability to master new software applications and technologies, including database management.

Working Conditions

For those interested in remote work, this position can be performed as fully remote. AA&D does require visits to Cambridge for on or around campus-based engagements required by AA&D leadership, your team or unit, such as reunion activities, retreats, etc. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Additional Information

This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
Please include a cover letter with your application.

Why AA&D?
We are a dedicated team of 400 alumni affairs and development professionals supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through roles that include front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, events, communications, prospect management and research, business process, talent management and many other areas.

Harvard’s Alumni Affairs and Development team inspires and galvanizes alumni, friends, and members of the University community to support Harvard through philanthropy, governance, and active engagement. AA&D believes a workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and our ever-evolving University constituency makes us a stronger and more effective organization. Our goal is to create an environment of respect that values the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community, 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. AA&D strives to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, innovation and sharing of information in our daily interactions and our work.

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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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

Remote

Department

Alumni Affairs and Development

Sub-Unit

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

053

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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.

Harvard University Glassdoor Company Review

4.3

Harvard University DE&I Review

No rating

CEO of Harvard University

Lawrence S. Bacow

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By Harvard University

Many parents dream of sending their children to Harvard -- and at more than $50,000 a year in undergraduate costs, some even dream of being able to afford it. Harvard, the oldest institution of higher learning in the US, is home to Harvard College...

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FUNDING

Private

INDUSTRY

Colleges & Universities

TEAM SIZE

10000+

LOCATION

Hybrid, based in Cambridge, MA

DATE POSTED