Major Donor and Communications Officer

Job Summary

The position will increase the number of and amount raised from major gifts while expanding fundraising staff capacity to support student leadership and program quality. Under the direction of the Executive Director with advising from the Senior Development Coordinator, the position will oversee major donor outreach and PBHA-wide communications, manage volunteer alumni fundraisers, and develop donor stewardship systems. The position will work with two Non-Profit Management Fellows and guide the Communications Committee (comprised of student officers) to develop a comprehensive social media and communications strategy. The position will also work as part of the Resource Development team, contribute to PBHA¿s fund development strategy, and collaborate when appropriate with the Harvard Alumni Affairs and Development.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plans, coordinates, and participates in soliciting major gifts ($2,500-100,000). Manages and supports major donor fundraising efforts of Executive Director, National Development Advisory Council, and Fund Development Committee. Creates and carries out fundraising activities for a defined portfolio of major donors inclusive of individuals and corporations. Produces donor profiles, identifies prospects, and drafts detailed reports. Work closely with Alumni Affairs and Development to coordinate solicitation.
• Supports maintenance of existing major donor relationships and builds new ones. Proposes new strategies for recognizing donors of particularly notable gifts and designs and manages individualized stewardship strategies. Participates in deciding on stewardship vehicles and opportunities.
• Participates in fundraising priorities and other strategic initiatives for the department as determined by the Executive Director and Senior Development Coordinator. Creates and implements strategies for general solicitation. Supports class reunion and regional donor strategies. Supports fundraising team events, including Summer Urban Program Auction.
• Develops and recommends communication strategies, policies and procedures to engage donors and keep them informed. Coaches students on PBHA Communications Committee annual strategy and supports overall cohesive PR communications.
• Spearheads creation of and advises student development corps, a team of undergraduates with focus on prospect research and other development activities as needed

Auto req ID

59875BR

Job Code

300056 Development Professional

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Major Donor and Communications Officer

Appointment End Date

31-Oct-2025

Salary Grade

056

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

BA or equivalent. Minimum of 3-years experience with philanthropy, non-profit and/or higher education fundraising and communications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Experience with Salesforce or similar donor management tools, volunteer management, public service, working with students, major donor portfolio, social media communications. 5-years experience in non-profit or higher education development a plus. Commitment to PBHAs mission of social justice and student development.

Additional Information

• This position is a fully benefits eligible 3-year term appointment.
• Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:
• Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

PBHA strives for social justice. As a student-led organization, PBHA mobilizes volunteers in collaboration with Boston and Cambridge partners to address gaps in opportunities and resources. We develop student and community leadership to creatively meet critical needs and advocate for structural change. PBHA seeks to promote social awareness and community involvement at Harvard and beyond.

COVID Vaccine Policy: The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID-, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Information. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Department

Phillips Brooks House

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Employment, Identity

Job Function

Alumni Affairs and Development

Position Description

The position will increase the number of and amount raised from major gifts while expanding fundraising staff capacity to support student leadership and program quality. Under the direction of the Executive Director with advising from the Senior Development Coordinator, the position will oversee major donor outreach and PBHA-wide communications, manage volunteer alumni fundraisers, and develop donor stewardship systems. The position will work with two Non-Profit Management Fellows and guide the Communications Committee (comprised of student officers) to develop a comprehensive social media and communications strategy. The position will also work as part of the Resource Development team, contribute to PBHA¿s fund development strategy, and collaborate when appropriate with the Harvard Alumni Affairs and Development.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plans, coordinates, and participates in soliciting major gifts ($2,500-100,000). Manages and supports major donor fundraising efforts of Executive Director, National Development Advisory Council, and Fund Development Committee. Creates and carries out fundraising activities for a defined portfolio of major donors inclusive of individuals and corporations. Produces donor profiles, identifies prospects, and drafts detailed reports. Work closely with Alumni Affairs and Development to coordinate solicitation.
• Supports maintenance of existing major donor relationships and builds new ones. Proposes new strategies for recognizing donors of particularly notable gifts and designs and manages individualized stewardship strategies. Participates in deciding on stewardship vehicles and opportunities.
• Participates in fundraising priorities and other strategic initiatives for the department as determined by the Executive Director and Senior Development Coordinator. Creates and implements strategies for general solicitation. Supports class reunion and regional donor strategies. Supports fundraising team events, including Summer Urban Program Auction.
• Develops and recommends communication strategies, policies and procedures to engage donors and keep them informed. Coaches students on PBHA Communications Committee annual strategy and supports overall cohesive PR communications.
• Spearheads creation of and advises student development corps, a team of undergraduates with focus on prospect research and other development activities as needed

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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.

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.