Research Analyst
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) 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.
Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; 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. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.
AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.
Job Description
The Research Analyst identifies new prospects to support Harvard University’s mission and provides strategic wealth and philanthropic analysis on existing prospects. They conduct comprehensive research and work with confidential as well as publicly accessible information, with a view to assessing donor interest and viability. The Analyst develops research profiles and analysis, prospect lists, ratings and wealth analysis for purposes of University fundraising. Uses in-house and external resources to identify new prospects. Interprets biographical and financial information on individuals, corporations and foundations based on fundraising strategies and objectives. Performs philanthropic capacity estimations and assigns ratings based on publicly available information, including insider holdings, real estate, and general demographic assessments. Works with research, prospect management, and due diligence colleagues to analyze complex financial disclosure documents to further determine financial capabilities. Keeps abreast of current events, philanthropic trends and Harvard’s fundraising objectives.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Conducts focused research and evaluation of financial capabilities of new prospects and existing donors. Identify new potential donors through screening of news sources.
Work with confidential information and with publicly accessible information, with a view of assessing donor viability. Make wealth estimations using salary surveys and other demographic information, as well as interpreting and analyzing complex financial documents under the supervision of senior researchers.
Work with senior level researchers in support of fundraisers to determine research strategies for identifying new prospects.
Participate in regular Research staff meetings and represent Research Team at other departmental/partner meetings.
Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information.
Ability to use sound judgment and apply ethical considerations with confidential information. Ability to think creatively with resources at hand.
Keep abreast of alumni in the news, philanthropic trends, and Harvard current events and fundraising priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
Ability to multi-task on different projects and initiatives. Ability to work in a team effort to reach organizational goals.
Ability to analyze, interpret and summarize complex information into a coherent and accurate presentation. Ability to work under strict deadlines.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of three years of research-related experience required, preferably in a development, library, academic or legal environment.
Strong interpersonal and communications skills required.
You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Development or development-related experience preferred
Understanding of the role information plays in prospect development throughout the prospect cultivation cycle
Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information
Requires sound judgment, strong self-direction and self-motivation
Strong attention to accuracy and detail
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with people at all levels, and willingness to function as part of a team
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including ability to perform x-lookups/v-lookups and utilize the Zillow macro in MS Excel.
Knowledge of Lexis-Nexis, Capital IQ, Foundation Center, Rel Sci and other fee-based resources helpful
Awareness of the type and scope of data available online, and of search techniques
Excellent writing and organizational skills; excellent computer skills; ability to prioritize and analyze confidential information with discretion.
Additional Information
- Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 056. 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.