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Director of Annual Giving and Engagement

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Job Summary:

The Harvard Radcliffe Institute (HRI) seeks a strategic, data-driven, and collaborative Director of Annual Giving to lead the Institute’s annual giving program. Reporting to the Director of Donor Engagement, this role is responsible for developing and executing multi-channel direct marketing campaigns and advancing strategies that drive donor acquisition, retention, and annual giving revenue.

The Director will lead a performance-based, data-informed annual giving program grounded in audience segmentation, analytics, and testing. A core priority of the role is sustaining and growing Radcliffe’s annual donor base by implementing a long-term audience development strategy. Key to this work will be identifying and engaging target affiliate groups in the HRI community; strengthening reporting mechanisms and developing actionable insights; and building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the External Relations team, Institute, and broader University. At the same time, the Director will steward loyal donor communities and create meaningful donor experiences for members of the Institute’s giving societies.

This is a high-impact role that offers the opportunity to shape and grow a modern annual giving program with strong institutional support; lead ambitious campaigns that connect a diverse community of alumni, donors, and friends to HRI’s work at the intersection of scholarship, arts, and public engagement; and collaborate across the Institute to help sustain and expand HRI’s impact over the long term. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining strategy and execution, has a passion for using data and creativity to engage diverse audiences, and is energized by working collaboratively in a mission-driven academic environment.


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Direct Marketing Strategy and Execution (50%)

  • Develop and implement strategy for the Institute’s multi-channel direct marketing program, using a data-driven approach to drive donor acquisition, retention, and annual giving revenue.

  • Drive all aspects of the annual direct marketing plan, including individual project calendars, channel mix, segmentation strategy, budget and vendor management, and goal forecasting and tracking.

  • Collaborate with the Associate Director of Donor Relations and Communications and the Donor Engagement and Annual Giving Officer to ensure project schedules, appeal data, content and design, and reporting are executed in a timely manner and meet institutional standards.

Data Integrity, Analytics, and Reporting (25%)

  • Partner with Harvard’s Alumni Affairs & Development University Business Solutions team and the Donor Engagement and Annual Giving Officer to ensure effective audience segmentation, testing, reporting accuracy, and continuous process improvement for direct marketing data.

  • Monitor direct marketing outcomes, identify opportunities to strengthen reporting mechanisms, and provide regular reporting and updates to department and Institute leadership.

  • Conduct in-depth analyses of campaign effectiveness and target audience engagement to translate data into actionable insights; develop forecasting models and scenario planning to guide annual goal setting and resource allocation.

Audience Development Strategy (15%)

  • Develop a deep understanding of HRI’s affiliate groups and their respective engagement with the Institute; partner with colleagues in External Relations, Communications, and Academic Programs to map out potential target audiences, current engagement mechanisms, and opportunities to strengthen affiliation.

  • Develop annual and five-year plans to engage, educate, and cultivate target audiences; identify necessary investments and prioritize efforts to align with institutional resources and growth areas.

  • Define measures of success, report out on learnings, and recommend strategic adjustments as necessary.

Giving Society Management (10%)

  • Develop targeted marketing strategies and events to increase awareness of and participation in the Institute’s giving societies (Leadership Society, Associates, and Ann Radcliffe Society).

  • Work closely with the Director of Donor Engagement and the Senior Director of Development, Major and Leadership Gifts, to build processes to ensure current and potential Leadership Society ($5K+) donors are solicited, and overall participation continues to grow.

  • Monitor, analyze, and report monthly progress for the department and, as necessary, Institute and volunteer leadership.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • May provide guidance and day-to-day direction to temporary staff, student employees, matrixed team members, or colleagues assigned to specific projects or campaigns; may be assigned direct reports as organizational needs evolve.

  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities according to the Institute's / University's management policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

  • Responsibilities may include hiring and training, planning, and assigning work, conducting performance appraisals, addressing performance issues, and resolving problems.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • Minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in fundraising and administration or related transferable experience. This experience must include:

    • strong project management experience involving managing multiple projects and priorities within budgets and timelines;
    • executing multi-channel direct marketing campaigns; and
    • leveraging data analysis to inform strategy

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Experience in higher education or non-profit setting preferred

  • Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills.

  • Proven track record of working in a dynamic, evolving, and highly energetic fundraising environment.

  • Ability to function at a high level within a complex organization.

  • Ability to apply good judgment and discretion when dealing with highly confidential alumni, family, donor, and prospect information

  • Experience working with prospect tracking systems (e.g., BSR Advance), constituent relationship management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce), email marketing tools, and social media platforms is preferred

  • Experience managing donor engagement events.

  • A sense of humor, problem-solving mindset, and collegial spirit.

Working Conditions:

  • This position is based in Cambridge, MA and is offered as a hybrid role (a combination of onsite and remote work).

  • Work is performed in a typical office setting, requiring extended periods of time working at a computer and participating in virtual and in-person meetings.

  • Some evening and weekend work is required to support events, donor meetings, and key Institute activities.

  • Occasional domestic travel may be required to meet with prospects and donors or to attend Institute and University events.

  • The position requires the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods while working at a computer and participating in meetings.

  • Constantly operates a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment

  • Frequently communicates with colleagues, donors, and other stakeholders; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

  • Additional physical and mental requirements may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position’s essential functions.

  • 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, Education, Criminal, Credit,
  • Cover Letter: Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Radcliffe Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when you are instructed in the application.
  • Other Information:

    • 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.

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 058. 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.