Director of Analytics and Strategic Planning

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 the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Director of Analytics and Strategic Planning will create and implement a new comprehensive data and analytics infrastructure to guide all decision making within Alumni Relations and Resource Development. They lead the design and execution of departmental data analysis and reporting strategies, delivering actionable insights and timely metrics that drive progress toward expanding fundraising results, pipeline development, and alumni engagement. The Director establishes and refines guidelines for tracking prospect engagement, staff activity, fundraising outcomes, and alumni involvement, ensuring consistent standards across teams. They also develop and implement collaborative approaches to proactively seek out, identify, update, and manage alumni and donor data, utilizing diverse sources and innovative methods to enhance data integrity and support ongoing organizational success. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversees alumni and donor data management systems in coordination with Harvard University guidance, ensuring data integrity, policy compliance, and effective business processes. 
• Serves as primary point of contact for system development, support, and enhancement related to strategic alumni engagement, principal and major gifts fundraising, annual fund fundraising and ARRD forecasting.    
• Creates and leads a strategy to analyze and report on key metrics, providing timely data and insights to departmental teams in support of measurable goals. Develops local standards for prospect activity tracking, staff metrics, fundraising and engagement results, communications, and similar projects. 
• Develops and implements a cross-team strategy to secure, update, maintain alumni and donor data. Researches/onboards tools that aid staff and constituents in efficient data maintenance processes across a variety of sources and methods. 
• Responds to and delegates ad hoc data and reporting requests as needed, supporting staff with timely information to inform decision-making. Sets clear processes and timeline expectations for staff. 
• Explores, integrates, and support adoption of new tools or technologies that advance alumni and donor engagement or facilitate internal collaboration. Oversees the testing, onboarding, and maintenance strategies for new processes and tools. 
• Prepares and maintains a suite of reports, dashboards, and related resources for use by staff to monitor and improve outcomes. 
• Coordinates data entry, gift management, and reporting cycles in collaboration with internal teams and university partners. 
• Ensures data integrity and security for sensitive alumni and donor information  
• Represents the office on university-wide data, reporting, and IT working groups and foster alignment with institutional priorities. 
• Performs other responsibilities upon request, as needed, with or without accommodation.   
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of this position.  It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position. 

Working Conditions:

Primary work takes place in an hybrid office environment.  Some tasks may require being on campus or in other off-site locations for a period of time and some lifting of boxes or light equipment is required.  Sitting or standing for periods of time. Some repetitive motion.

Physical Requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years related experience in actionable data analytics, acquisition, and maintenance required.  
• Demonstrated understanding of data analysis and presentation along with the ability to translate end user requirements into technical specifications. 
• Experience working in a complex fundraising operation. 
• Strong knowledge of MS office, Excel, and analytics tools required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Comfort with advanced fundraising technology and ability to learn new programs quickly.  
• Strong project management skills and the ability to ensure compliance across many constituents required.  
• Strong oral and written presentation skills required.  
• Knowledge of the Advance system and advanced knowledge of QlikView report writing strongly preferred. 
• The ability to problem solve and work in fast-paced environment. 
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to foster productive working relationships with a range of internal and external constituents. 

• 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

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 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, 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.