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Position and Candidate Specification

Harvard University: Associate Vice President for University Development and Advancement Solutions

ABOUT HARVARD UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT

Harvard's Alumni Affairs and Development division serves one of the world's most remarkable alumni communities and supports the University's mission through philanthropic engagement. AA&D comprises development teams across Harvard's schools and units, as well as centralized functions that provide strategy, coordination, and support across the enterprise.

Under Vice President Jim Husson's leadership, AA&D is committed to excellence in advancement practice, fostering a "One Harvard" culture, and positioning the University to achieve its most ambitious goals. This newly created AVP role reflects AA&D's strategic evolution and commitment to integrating the strategy, systems, and solutions that will drive sustained philanthropic growth.

This is a pivotal moment for Harvard's advancement enterprise. For as much as Harvard raises each year, the university has unmatched potential, and growing philanthropy in a sustained way over time is one of President Alan Garber's top priorities. This new role reflects a commitment to excellence in fundraising by integrating the skilled central development team with talented colleagues who leverage data, systems, and technology in ways that will help shape overall strategy.

The insights, analytics, and systems that help us understand Harvard's alumni community don't just serve fundraising. They serve every aspect of AA&D's work, including alumni engagement, volunteer management, communications, and events.The goal of this integrated approach is to position AA&D to be more agile, more coordinated, and better equipped to support long-term aspirations.

Over time, colleagues across AA&D will benefit from clearer pathways for collaboration and enhanced access to insights that can inform planning, relationship building, and decision-making. By championing an expansive, forward-thinking, and data-driven approach, the AVP will help position Harvard at the forefront of philanthropic engagement during this critical time for higher education.

A TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Harvard University seeks a visionary leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Development and Advancement Solutions—an inaugural role that represents a strategic evolution in how the University will achieve its most ambitious philanthropic goals. The AVP will lead university-wide fundraising planning and execution, ensure that Harvard is securing transformational gifts in service to its academic and societal mission, and coordinate cross-school campaigns and initiatives that span disciplines. The AVP will help to shape compelling cases for support that align with presidential priorities, gathering input from and building consensus among the Schools' development deans to maximize impact across the University.

To accomplish these ambitious objectives, this position will lead a newly integrated unit that unifies core functions essential to success—bringing together prospect research, analytics, gift administration, and advancement technologies with university development programs. By intentionally connecting fundraising excellence with the data, systems, and operational infrastructure that enable it, the AVP will help identify and pursue the highest-impact opportunities; improve information sharing across teams; and ensure that tools and processes are designed with the needs of fundraisers, partners, volunteers, alumni, and donors in mind.

Success in this role requires a sophisticated understanding of how to lead in Harvard's decentralized, matrixed environment. The AVP must be skilled at building consensus across diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration among Schools with distinct cultures and priorities, and creating alignment without formal authority. Close partnership with School and central fundraising leaders will be essential to every aspect of the role.

The AVP will serve as a key member of Vice President Jim Husson's AA&D leadership team, which includes the AVP for the Harvard Alumni Association; AVP and dean of FAS Development; AVP of Advancement Communications, Events and Donor Relations; and the chief operating officer. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven advancement leader to shape the future of philanthropy at one of the world's most influential institutions.

University Development and Advancement Solutions: Scope and Structure

The Office of UD&AS encompasses teams that support the day-to-day management of University-wide alumni affairs and development functions:

  • Presidential and Provostial Development Activities and Strategy: Develop and guide the strategy for the president's and provost's fundraising priorities and activities.
  • Principal Giving: Raises eight- and nine-figure gifts to support Harvard fundraising priorities identified by the president, provost, and deans that span disciplines and Schools, as well as School-based priorities.
  • University-wide Fundraising Programs: Includes central gift planning, international priorities and initiatives, and corporate and foundation relations fundraising teams.
  • University Research: Provides research and prospect management services to central AA&D and Schools development units.
  • Office of Gift Administration: Gift processing, gift accounting, audit reporting, and University-wide fiduciary responsibility for the acceptance of all gifts.
  • Advancement Solutions: Provides business program operations, data, and technology infrastructure to enable the work of University-wide AA&D staff.

Utilizing the leadership of these departments, the AVP will align and develop the teams to provide essential functions to alumni affairs and development departments across the Schools and units.

This position is located on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:
Jim Husson, Vice President, Alumni Affairs and Development

Other key relationships:
Michael Faber, Associate Vice President and Dean of Development, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Sarah Karmon, Associate Vice President and Executive Director, Harvard Alumni Association
Megan Tiede, Associate Vice President, Advancement Communications, Events and Donor Relations
Julia Cavanaugh, Chief Operating Officer, Alumni Affairs and Development
Klara Jelinokova, Vice President and University Chief Information Officer
Fundraising deans
University senior leadership
School-level senior development leaders

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership for University-Wide Fundraising Growth

  • In collaboration with the vice president and AA&D leadership team, develop the overall strategy for alumni affairs and development, creating organizational alignment that promotes the effective accomplishment of University goals.
  • Lead the development and execution of comprehensive, University-wide fundraising strategies that drive sustained philanthropic growth and support Harvard's most compelling priorities.
  • Provide overall strategic direction and goal setting for principal gift fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, University priorities and initiatives, international fundraising, and gift planning.
  • Personally manage a portfolio of top prospects and drive sophisticated, relationship-based fundraising strategies that support institutional and unit-level priorities.
  • Partner closely with the vice president of AA&D, fundraising deans, University leadership, and volunteers to shape concepts and ideas that frame the development agenda across all Schools and units.
  • Provide expertise on fundraising feasibility based on data-driven analysis and assessment of prospect viability.
  • Develop strategies to identify and pursue the highest-impact philanthropic opportunities across the University.
  • Champion ambitious, creative approaches to fundraising that are goal-oriented and data-driven.
  • Provide direct support for presidential and provostial development activities and strategy.

Campaign Strategy, Planning, and Execution

  • In partnership with the AA&D leadership team, design, plan, and lead the execution of University-wide campaigns and initiatives, including the next comprehensive campaign.
  • Lead the design and execution of cross-School fundraising initiatives, particularly those that are multi-School in nature or aligned with priorities emerging from the Office of the President.
  • Ensure that University-wide fundraising efforts are coherently planned, well-coordinated, and supported by strong volunteer and campus engagement.
  • Work directly with fundraising deans, volunteers, and University leadership on campaign planning and execution.
  • Develop and implement strategies that ensure campaigns are supported by robust data, analytics, and operational infrastructure.

Fostering Collaboration and a "One Harvard" Culture

  • Serve as administrative chair of the Council of Fundraising Deans and support the values and principles outlined in the "One Harvard" fundraising aspiration.
  • Develop close working relationships with School and unit fundraising leaders to foster a culture of achievement, ambition, accountability, and collaboration across the entire advancement enterprise.
  • Define and continuously refine clear service models and support strategies for Schools and units, ensuring that roles, expectations, and centrally provided services are well-articulated, aligned with local fundraising priorities, and responsive to evolving institutional needs.
  • Promote close collaboration among School fundraising leaders and other academic and administrative partners, particularly around cross-School fundraising priorities identified by University leadership.
  • Drive connectivity, information flow, and joint planning among fundraisers and development teams across all Schools and central development offices to maximize philanthropic opportunity and donor experience.
  • Ensure that the goals, plans, and performance metrics of centrally managed development and advancement solutions functions are aligned with and reinforce the priorities of fundraising and alumni affairs across the University.
  • Build supportive working relationships with leaders and staff in central AA&D, as well as with leaders and staff in development across the University and in other key departments across central administration and in the Schools.
  • Partner with central AA&D colleagues in communications, events, and donor relations to provide strategic guidance that ensures that University-level content, messaging, and stewardship initiatives align with and reinforce fundraising priorities. Work collaboratively to help foster cohesive donor and alumni experiences that support relationship building and philanthropic engagement across all touchpoints.

Integration of Fundraising and Engagement Strategies with Systems and Solutions

  • Lead a newly integrated unit that brings together University development strategy with prospect research, analytics, portfolio management, gift administration, systems, technology, and innovative business solutions.
  • Serve as accountable executive for the strategy, governance, and effective use of the University's CRM and related advancement technologies.
  • Champion the adoption of new tools, analytics, and technologies, specifically the strategic and ethical use of artificial intelligence, that can be leveraged to accelerate productivity in fundraising and alumni engagement across the University.
  • Ensure that tools, processes, and systems are designed with the needs of fundraisers, staff, partners, volunteers, alumni, and donors in mind.
  • Improve information sharing across teams and create clearer pathways for collaboration throughout AA&D.
  • Provide enhanced access to insights and analytics that inform planning, relationship building, and decision-making.
  • Foster an organizational culture that values the integration of strategy, data, and execution.
  • Represent AA&D on the Central Administration IT Project Review Committee, evaluating viability and project readiness of enterprise-wide administrative IT systems projects.
  • Create, submit, and present funding proposals to multiple committees at the University, including responsibility for sponsoring capital IT initiatives.

Gift Administration and Fiduciary Oversight

  • Oversee the University's central gift receipting and records functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and best practices.
  • Maintain University-wide fiduciary responsibility for acceptance of all gifts.
  • Ensure that gift policies and procedures support fundraising effectiveness, while maintaining appropriate controls and standards.
  • Manage accounting and compliance functions for all gift revenue across the University, serving as the primary liaison with the Office of the Controller on gift-related matters.
  • Serve as the key point of contact for the University auditor on gift accounting, documentation, and compliance questions.
  • Partner with the Office of Gift Administration to provide excellent donor service and stewardship.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Recruit, supervise, and mentor a senior leadership team responsible for overseeing major functions within the integrated unit.
  • Lead and motivate a diverse team of highly talented professionals across development strategy, principal giving, corporate and foundation relations, gift planning, prospect research, analytics, gift administration, systems, and operations.
  • Set and evaluate individual goals, as well as departmental goals; develop and sustain appropriate training and mentoring.
  • Assign and monitor coverage of primary areas of focus across the integrated unit.
  • Develop team members by providing clear and direct feedback motivated by a desire to help individuals grow, while advancing organizational goals.
  • Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture committed to the highest standards of performance and professional growth.
  • Invest in talent development and build camaraderie across functional areas.
  • Lead the team through an organizational transition with empathy and clear communication, building trust and fostering a culture that ensures staff feel heard, valued, and engaged in shaping the future of the integrated unit.
  • Serve as a cultural steward who prioritizes community-building across diverse teams and creates an environment in which collaboration, open dialogue, and mutual respect are foundational to achieving excellence.
  • Manage successfully across change and growth as the integrated unit evolves.

University-Wide Collaboration and Culture Building

  • Serve as a key member of the AA&D executive leadership team, contributing to University-wide advancement strategy and organizational culture.
  • Build relationships based on mutual trust across AA&D, academic and administrative leadership, fundraising volunteers, faculty, staff, alumni, and other constituencies.
  • Advocate strongly and persuasively for evidence-based, innovative approaches to advancement.
  • Participate in University-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.
  • Engage with genuine interest and intellectual curiosity in Harvard's academic mission and the University's role in the world.

Planning and Operational Excellence

  • Develop and execute annual and multi-year operating plans aligned with University priorities and desired outcomes.
  • Develop, manage, and steward the annual operating budget in alignment with AA&D resource administration practices.
  • Ensure that best-in-class systems and processes support fundraising, alumni engagement, and volunteer management efforts across the University and within central AA&D functions.
  • Use data and analytics to enable broader and deeper understanding of the alumni community, including prospective donors, volunteers, and engaged alumni. Demonstrate financial and business acumen in all aspects of operations.
  • Foster continuous improvement and innovation in advancement practices.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, development, or related fields within complex organizations; higher education experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated track record of leading large-scale fundraising initiatives and achieving ambitious goals.
  • History of building strong teams of highly functioning and collaborative individuals.
  • Proven success in recruitment, development, and retention of talented staff.
  • Experience integrating data, analytics, technology, and systems with fundraising strategy and operations.
  • Knowledge of advancement best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches.
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Fundraising Excellence

  • Exceptional track record of working with a wide range of donors, leading to important and transformational gifts.
  • Proven ability to develop sophisticated, relationship-based fundraising strategies informed by data and prospect analysis.
  • Experience personally managing a portfolio of principal gift prospects and cultivating relationships between philanthropists and institutions over time.
  • Understanding of principal gift fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, annual. giving, and comprehensive campaigns.
  • Ability to think strategically about donor engagement across the full spectrum of giving.
  • Track record of success in campaign planning, design, and execution.

Strategic and Analytical Capabilities

  • Strategic focus on driving fundraising growth at scale.
  • Knowledge of and experience with using data to drive fundraising strategy and decision-making.
  • Ability to shift priorities in response to results and trends.
  • Highly skilled in the areas of planning, critical thinking, and analysis.
  • Understanding of how to leverage technology and systems to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Capacity to translate complex University priorities into compelling fundraising priorities.

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

  • Ability to function collaboratively as a member of a senior leadership team.
  • Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to serve as an advocate for the organization.
  • Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse constituencies at all levels.
  • Proven ability to foster cultures of ambition, achievement, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Ability to handle difficult situations with diplomacy, judgment, and grace.
  • Experience managing in a complex, matrixed organizational environment with multiple stakeholder groups.
  • Success building partnerships with school-based fundraising leaders and academic leadership.
  • History of large-scale operations and budgetary responsibility.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

We seek a leader who embraces Harvard's academic and societal mission, while bringing a fresh perspective, a commitment to fostering a high-performing team, and the energy to channel Harvard's storied legacy into innovative philanthropic initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Character and Integrity

  • Impeccable character and integrity; someone whom the institution and community can trust completely and without reservation.
  • Inspired by Harvard and its role in the world.
  • Capacity to contribute to all aspects of Harvard's success and strategic priorities.

Leadership Style

  • Ambitious, creative leader, who is goal-oriented and results-driven.
  • Supportive, inclusive, and accessible management style.
  • An excellent listener, who encourages input from a wide array of perspectives at all levels of the organization.
  • Self-awareness and strong commitment to personal and professional development, proactively seeking feedback and coaching.

Intellectual Qualities

  • Inquisitive, with intellectual curiosity about Harvard's diverse academic enterprise.
  • Creative, critical, analytical thinker.
  • Ability to engage staff and constituents in dialogue about the role the University plays in the world.
  • Desire to apply unique gifts and talents to the University's academic and societal mission.

Personal Qualities

  • Intelligence, compassion, courage, and resilience.
  • Self-awareness, openness to feedback, and coaching.
  • A confident and optimistic outlook grounded in humility a willingness to confront challenges.
  • Open-minded and willing to course correct when necessary.
  • Balanced approach to life and work.
  • An ability to respect, honor, and balance strengths of existing operations, while envisioning and implementing innovative approaches.

Commitment to Excellence and Inclusion

  • Demonstrated track record of investing in and successfully managing teams that draw on different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to drive innovation.
  • Success mentoring, developing, and empowering staff of different backgrounds.
  • Commitment to expanding and nurturing a broad and diverse community of volunteers and donors that reflects the diversity of the ever-evolving University community and our world.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

To submit materials or nominate someone to serve as the Associate Vice President and Dean for Development, please email: HarvardAVP@SpencerStuart.com.