Director, Annual Fund and Leadership Giving
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Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.
Job Description
Harvard Law School is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and results-oriented Director of the Annual Fund and Leadership Giving to lead and execute a strategic annual giving program that raises $12M+ annually in unrestricted giving for HLS. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the annual fund, working closely with the Dean for Development and Alumni Relations and other members of the development and alumni relations teams.
This position manages a team of nine, including frontline fundraisers, operations and support staff. In addition to leading annual and reunion giving programs aimed at acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors, this position also carries a portfolio of top annual fund prospects within the leadership annual giving pool. This role requires a highly motivated leader with demonstrated experience in annual giving and the ability to cultivate strong, lasting donor relationships that are aligned with the mission and priorities of Harvard Law School.
As Director you will:
- Develop and execute the strategic vision and operating plan to achieve and grow a $12M annual fund, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the Law School's priorities.
- Lead annual giving efforts, cultivating relationships with current and potential donors. Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and lead solicitations for unrestricted gifts of all sizes.
- Supervise and mentor a team of annual fund officers and support staff, including hiring, training and development, workflow, and performance management. Provide guidance on best practices for donor engagement, solicitation strategies, and stewardship.
- Oversee the development and execution of annual campaigns. Track and assess progress towards fundraising goals, ensuring targets are met and exceeded.
- Collaborate closely with leaders across the organization to support pipeline development and align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities.
- Monitor and report on fundraising progress, using data analytics and metrics to assess trends, refine strategies, and enhance future efforts. Provide regular updates to senior leadership on annual fund performance.
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree. 8+ years progressive fundraising experience, with experience in annual giving, major gifts, and/or development management.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
We are looking for people with the following:
- Experience cultivating relationships with and securing gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
- Experience managing a team of frontline fundraisers.
- Demonstrated success in building and maintaining a collaborative and high-performing team environment, with the ability to lead and motivate staff toward achieving fundraising goals.
- Experience developing and executing fundraising campaigns, managing donor relationships, and using data to drive strategies for revenue growth.
- Knowledge of donor stewardship practices and how to engage donors effectively for long-term giving.
- Ability to partner effectively across teams and engage key stakeholders to drive fundraising outcomes.
- Ability to interpret and use data to assess fundraising efforts, optimize strategies, and report on progress toward goals.
- Ability to communicate complex fundraising plans to staff, senior leaders, and external stakeholders in a clear and engaging manner.
- A commitment to valuing a range of perspectives in an inclusive working environment.
Additional Information
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Other Information:
Must be available to work during peak periods around calendar and fiscal year end. Must be able to travel occasionally and work weekends and evenings as required. Must be available to staff alumni reunion weekends on campus.
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.