Associate Dean of Development, FAS

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard’s world‑changing mission 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. Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) 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.

AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.

Job Summary: This full‑time exempt position serves as the second‑in‑command for the leadership and management of the development teams that support the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). The Associate Dean works with the Dean/AVP, FAS Development Management, and partners across AA&D and the university to shape fundraising priorities and serve as a key liaison to FAS Divisional Deans and center directors.

The Associate Dean will oversee a fundraising team of approximately 100 employees, manage strategic portfolio development, and build a cohesive, collaborative, and accountable fundraising unit. Key responsibilities include developing a comprehensive strategy for talent management, optimizing planned giving, and enhancing communication and collaboration across the university.

• Work closely with the Dean/AVP, principal gift officers, Executive Directors and their direct reports to ensure productivity in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts from the respective Schools’ top prospects.
• Partner strategically with the Associate Vice President for Communications, Events, and Donor Relations to develop a strong and effective case of support for current and potential donors in advancing the FAS development priorities. Serve as primary fundraising liaison to FAS Division Deans and center directors to maximize alignment of donor interest with academic priorities.
• Provide close counsel to the Dean/AVP and leadership teams on fundraising strategies and maintain a substantive relationship with Academic/Division Deans, FAS Administrative leaders, and AA&D leadership team.
• Ensure the development of, and adherence to, a collective development operating plan to achieve strategic cultivation and solicitation of prospects. Work collaboratively to align plans with FAS Development’s multi‑year plan.
• Provide leadership, guidance and oversight of the overall department’s strategic portfolio development and lead collaborative prospect assignment and portfolio review process.
• Lead strategy for a comprehensive program for professional development and fundraiser – and fundraising management – training.
• Establish expectations that are clear, well communicated, and related to the goals and objectives of the unit, and provide staff with frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate.
• Responsible for enhancing and supporting communication and collaboration between FAS, the University Development Office, and other schools of the University on gift opportunities for shared prospects.
• Work in partnership with the Management Team to develop effective strategies for communications, events, stewardship and proposals.
• Advances a culture that embraces the use of systems and tools to effectively implement a moves management prospect management process, including the use of the Advance database and reporting and tracking tools. Works with the Operations team to collaboratively define and prioritize systems and infrastructure in support of the fundraising managers and staff.
• Aids in a systematic and equitable approach to understanding and resolving employee/supervisor problems in accordance with the University Human…