Senior Director of Development, Gift Planning, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
20-Nov-2023
Senior Director of Development, Gift Planning, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Alumni Affairs and Development
64420BR
Job Summary
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)
Alumni Affairs and Development 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 University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
This newly refreshed opportunity is part of the growing Faculty of Arts and Sciences Development team and will complement an existing spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship, along with a culture of aspirational thinking in support of a strong mission. The Senior Director of Gift Planning, a full-time exempt position, reports to the Executive Director of Development, Major Gifts and serves as a leader and senior fundraiser on the team. The incumbent will lead a team which not only generates philanthropic support from assigned prospect portfolios but will contribute to a culture that includes celebration, innovation, risk-taking, and best practices. This person will cultivate and support long-term relationships with donors, and partner with colleagues across FAS Development to maximize philanthropic support of the FAS through the creative and effective use of gift planning strategies. As a strong collaborator and team leader, this person will work closely with the entire FAS Development Team and the University Development Office (UDO), to lead a strategic and high-performing planned giving program.
Position Description
- Responsible for working collaboratively across the organization and in partnership with all leadership to develop FAS Development’s overall Gift Planning strategy. This includes annual and multi-year work plans which leverage the expertise of the Gift Planning team to maximize philanthropic support at the principal and major gift levels, and through the reunions and classes work deployed by the Harvard College Fund.
- Leads a team of Gift Planning professionals who work individually and in collaboration with FAS gift officers to: research appropriate planned giving vehicles for prospective donors, develop gift illustrations and proposals, contribute to prospect strategy development, and meet with donors and their advisors alone or in collaboration with other gifts officers to assist in the development of planned giving opportunities and the closure of gifts.
- Develops and executes strategies to increase familiarity and fluency with gift planning vehicles among our staff and donor community.
- Manages a portfolio of planned gift prospects at various stages of their relationship with Harvard. This includes prospect strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Strategy is frequently set in conjunction with other development officers across FAS Development and the University Development Office. Leads the development and execution of strategies with these prospects and ensures that relevant FAS and UDO colleagues are consistently involved and informed.
- Collaborates with colleagues in Research and Prospect Management to identify planned giving prospects. Works closely with colleagues in Communications and Direct Marketing to develop gift planning marketing and stewardship plans, as well as gift planning collateral materials.
- Oversees the John Harvard Society, the comprehensive bequest and testamentary gift program, and partners with staff and alumni volunteer leadership to promote legacy giving/bequest intentions among Harvard alumni.
- Collaborates with colleagues in the University Planned Giving Office, Alumni and Development Services, Harvard Management Company, and the Office of General Counsel and external legal counsel to maintain and update administrative procedures for planned gifts. Ensures accurate processing and administration of charitable trust and life income gift assets, documentation, disclosure requirements, and associated contemporaneous acknowledgement and crediting. Serves on the Trust Advisory Committee of HMC. Assists in creating gift acceptance guidelines and crediting policies for the FAS. Maintains trust specimens and planned giving/life income plan materials. Stays informed on legislative and tax changes affecting planned giving and keeps staff informed of relevant changes.
- Remains up to date on current issues relating to the gift planning profession through the National Committee on Planned Giving (NCPG), the Planned Giving Group of New England (PGGNEW), Canaras, Ivy/Stanford/MIT Director’s meetings, professional journals, seminars, conferences and workshops. Maintains a professional external presence in the planned giving community and with allied professionals.
- Other appropriate duties that arise.
Basic Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree and at least 12 years of gift planning or fundraising experience, or comparable work experience gained within the legal or financial professions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Travel and some overnight and weekend work is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Has ability to think strategically and innovatively, to develop new ideas, and to gain stakeholder buy-in, which results in the successful execution of new plans and programs.
- Is committed to an organizational culture of collaboration and respect. Possesses a supportive and accessible leadership style which inspires individuals to hold themselves to the highest expectations. Gives consistent, timely feedback and positive reinforcement to foster a culture of learning and development. Has the ability to lead and motivate direct reports and to lead with influence across different departments.
- Has demonstrated success in employing complex gift planning and/or tax strategies with high-net- worth individuals and their advisors as a fundraiser or advisor.
- Is agile, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity. Models a positive and calm response to challenges and change. Is committed to continuous improvement and growth, personally, and for their team.
- Is a natural relationship builder who is solution-focused and exhibits exceptional active listening skills.
- Possesses a sophisticated understanding of planned giving outreach, solicitation, and stewardship approaches.
- Has ability to respectfully and adeptly communicate, interact, and facilitate conversations with high-level prospects and donors.
- Is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Possesses the ability to think strategically and creatively. Demonstrates excellent critical thinking and analysis skills.
Additional Information
- This position requires a 6 month orientation and review period.
- Please include a cover letter with your application.
To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.harvard.edu/.
Accommodations: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know.
COVID 19 Vaccination Information: The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Work Format Details
This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Harvard
Job Code
302061 Development Manager
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit
------------
Salary Grade
061
Department
Alumni Affairs and Development
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
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.
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.
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