Duties & Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

*1. Requires a demonstrated advanced working knowledge of online reference sources and data resources applicable to prospect research. Requires in depth knowledge of wealth indicators and rating assessments.

*2. Assists in developing metrics to determine and report departmental success. Participates in setting the agenda for Research staff meetings and Tools & techniques meetings.

*3. Management responsibility for four members of the Research staff, including hiring, mentoring, goal setting, continuous feedback and performance evaluation.

*4. Works with the Director of Research to set strategic goals for the department, and works with the Research and Prospect Management team toward achievement of strategic objectives.

*5. Meets regularly with client groups, including schools, and with individual fundraisers as needed. Informally surveys those we support periodically to assure needs are being met, and identify areas for improvement. Markets departmental capabilities to clients.

*6. Identify new prospects, conduct in-depth research profiles and evaluation of financial capabilities of new prospects and existing donors.

*7. Work with confidential information and with publicly accessible information, with a view of assessing donor viability. Identify and interpret wealth indicators including income, assets and insider stock data.

*8. Work directly with fundraisers to determine research strategies for identifying new prospects. Conceptualize and develop proactive prospecting methodologies to support fundraising objectives.

*9. Actively participate and occasionally lead Research staff meetings. Provides input for Tools & Techniques meetings and training suggestions.

*10. Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information.

*11. Ability to use sound judgement and apply ethical considerations with confidential information. Ability to think creatively with resources at hand.

*12. Keep abreast of alumni in the news, philanthropic trends, and Harvard current events and fundraising priorities.

*13. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

*14. Ability to multi-task on different projects and initiatives. Ability to work in a team effort to reach organizational goals.

*15. Ability to analyze, interpret and summarize complex information. Ability to work under strict deadlines.

*16. Must complete a three-month University probationary period. Must maintain an excellent attendance record.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree at an accredited higher education institution required.
• Minimum of 6 years of research-focused experience in a development, library, or legal research environment required.

Additional Qualifications

• Two or more years of management experience preferred.
• Prospect research experience in a development environment preferred.
• Proficiency at planning and setting meaningful objectives and integrating the work of prospect research into overall fundraising objectives preferred.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of online reference and data resources applicable to prospect research preferred.
• Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information.
• Utilize 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.
• Familiarity with fee-based resources such as Lexis-Nexis, iWave, Capital IQ and Donorsearch required. Ability to analyze and interpret proxy statements and proficiency at formulating online search strategies.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills; excellent computer skills; ability to prioritize and analyze confidential information with discretion.
• Possess strong interpersonal and communications skills.

Additional Information

SUMMARY:
Reports to the Director of Research. Assumes direct management responsibility for four full time members of the Research staff. Provides creative leadership for researchers, encourages innovative and effective research efforts that are forward-looking, capitalizing on emerging technologies and research sources. Develops goals and performance metrics for direct reports, in line with overarching departmental goals. Surveys client satisfaction and participates in the ongoing marketing of Research Department capabilities. May supervise specific school Research activities based on the service agreements and University Initiatives such as Science, International, and University Planned Giving, Provides strategic research efforts for assigned groups, as well as for identifying unaffiliated prospects. Participates in Research managers meetings. Provides University campaign support, and actively participates in the development of proactive prospect identification projects and research strategies. Conceptualizes and develops proactive prospecting methodologies to support fundraising objectives. Performs in-depth library and electronic research and works with confidential as well as publicly accessible information, with a view to assessing donor interest and viability. Interprets biographical and financial information on individuals, corporations and foundations based on fundraising strategies and objectives. Keeps abreast of current events, philanthropic trends and Harvard's fundraising objectives.

Skills testing may be a component of the interview process for this position.

The department of Alumni Affairs and Development at Harvard University is committed to diversity. We welcome applicants who bring varied experience, thought, and practice to the department's mission to maintain and enhance an engaged community of alumni and friends worldwide and to lead the University's fundraising efforts.

Harvard University Benefits Package
Vacation/Sick/Personal/Holidays: Harvard offers 3 (union roles) - 4 (exempt) weeks paid vacation, a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days each year.
Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit: Harvard offers a variety of excellent medical, dental, and vision plans which all begin on the first day of employment.
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 study options through participating Harvard Graduate Schools.
Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as parking options to assist employees in their daily commute to campus.
Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. There are also fee-based athletic facility memberships available at various locations around the university for employees.

Pre-Employment Screening

Education
Identity


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 or any other characteristic protected by law.

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