The Major Gifts team within Harvard Law School is responsible for advancing the vision and priorities of the Dean of HLS through its fundraising efforts. Working within a larger team, this role will develop and execute cultivation and solicitation strategies leading to the realization of six-figure plus major gifts from an assigned portfolio of more than 200 alumni prospect households.

This role requires a fundraiser to develop multi-step prospect strategies to secure gifts, which often represent a significant increase in a prospect’s philanthropy. These strategies will require significant collaboration with internal colleagues and leadership volunteers who serve as trusted advisors to the Dean and are amongst the strongest financial supporters of the school.

Candidates should enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. They should be curious, flexible, and can meaningfully and genuinely engage both internal and external stakeholders and be a compelling advocate for Harvard Law School.

As Associate Director you will:

• Be responsible for raising between $3-$5M annually.
• Manage a portfolio of more than 200 prospect households including setting strategy, proposal development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee a regional or targeted Leadership Council, including coordinating meetings and other related activities.
• Be a subject matter expert on fundraising priorities for the Law School and foster relationships between prospective donors and academic leadership, faculty, and other members of the community to deepen a prospect’s engagement with HLS.
• Work closely with senior fundraising leaders within the HLS Alumni Center to coordinate strategies for prospects with multi-school affiliations and/or interests. Responsible for communicating meeting strategies through written briefings and pre-visit briefing meetings or calls.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

Basic Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Minimum of 7 years of overall development experience.

We are looking for people who:

• Have motivation to succeed in a fast-paced and goal-oriented environment, with a proven track record of structuring proposals and securing major/leadership gifts.
• Employ effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with people from all types of backgrounds and in all types of difficult or challenging situations. Must be an effective problem solver with ability to display sound judgment and a high level of confidentiality.
• Are active listeners, with an ability to ask sensitive questions with tact. Demonstrated ability to uncover interests, motivations, and objections from prospective donors, clients, or others preferred.
• Employ effective organizational skills, think strategically and conceptually, and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Have a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Working Conditions:

This position has the opportunity to work a remote or hybrid schedule, per agreement with supervisor. Must be available to travel as needed, and to staff meetings and events on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Information:

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions. All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School (https://hls.harvard.edu/) is a place where you can thrive.

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

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.