Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

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.

Job Summary:

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).

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, UDO, this position will establish and lead a central Corporate and Foundations Relations (CFR) team within the University Development Office (UDO). The Executive Director will work closely with academic, administrative, and development leaders and colleagues across Harvard to proactively craft and implement strategies to increase philanthropic support from foundations and corporations, primarily to university priorities and cross-school initiatives. The ideal candidate will have significant experience both in advancing solutions in a complex and collaborative organization and in managing a portfolio of top funders.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Assess the landscape of corporate and foundation philanthropy at Harvard and identify opportunities for added value and intersection with current and emerging University priorities.
• Grow the corporate and foundations pipeline and personally manage a portfolio of prospects and funders.
• Identify, set the strategy for, and facilitate relationships between top foundation leaders and University leadership both for engagement and stewardship. 
• Liaise with Academic-Corporate Initiatives and Technology Development teams in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, identifying opportunities to coordinate relationships with current and prospective corporate partners and funders to maximize revenue potential. Support OVPR colleagues in incorporating philanthropic opportunities in discussions with industry, and in executing agreements with philanthropic components.
• Establish collaborative partnerships with UDO and School fundraisers to provide technical expertise and execute coordinated fundraising activities and strategies, especially when related to family foundations where the funder is an alumnus/a.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, leaders of academic initiatives, the UDO Content Strategy team, and others to develop cross-disciplinary, transformational, and innovative funding opportunities and proposals that align with both university and foundation objectives.
• Serve the UDO and School development offices as a resource for policies, procedures, and industry trends for corporate and foundation philanthropy. Convene internal peers for discussion of best practices and participate in external peer groups.
• Develop best practices and new systems for CFR portfolio and pipeline management, goal-setting, and metrics.  Grow capacity on the team for specialized CFR support while also identifying opportunities to leverage AA&D’s operations, research, stewardship, and content strategy teams.
• Hire and manage the CFR department within UDO, including professional development and performance management. Provide guidance for ensuring all project management and reporting requirements for grants managed under portfolio are met. 
• Conduct work in alignment with the values of inclusion, respect, collegiality, excellence and curiosity. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in corporate and foundations relations or relevant transferable experience, as well as management experience, required. 
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel as necessary for donor and colleague meetings and events. 
• 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:

• Fundraising experience at a major research university is preferred, including working on complex corporate and foundation major gifts and grants.
• Experience building strong relationships with major regional and national foundations and knowledge of the foundation community; proven success in building relationships with new funders resulting in funding support.
• Ability to inspire and lead a high performing and inclusive team.
• Must have a natural affinity for collaboration, leading through influence, and a high level of emotional intelligence. Must be drawn to a challenge and exhibit the patience necessary to advance solutions in a complex and collaborative organization. Show a personal commitment to excellence and an ability to admit mistakes and show patience. 
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders across the University with political savvy, as well as the ability to build trust with internal and external constituencies.
• Superb organizational skills and ability to think strategically and conceptually while managing multiple projects.
• Ability to evaluate problems accurately and display sound and confidential judgment and discretion.
• Computer literacy required must have experience with Windows-based PCs, prospect databases, and videoconferencing platforms.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Orientation and Review Period: 6 months 
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information: To learn more about AA&D and our team, please visit us here!

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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 061. 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.