Managing Director, Development

Overview

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) seeks a Managing Director, Development (MDD). This full‑time exempt role leads ODAR’s fundraising team (5–6) focusing on principal gifts ($5M+), major gifts ($250K+), corporate and foundation relations, and coordination on gift planning with the University Development Office (UDO). The MDD collaborates with colleagues across the School, including the Office of Communications, ORSD, OFS, AA&D, Harvard schools, UDO, and other university partners.

The MDD works with the Vice Dean and School leadership to shape and advance fundraising goals aligned with Harvard Chan priorities, developing and executing high‑level fundraising and prospect strategies to achieve annual and multi‑year objectives. The role also shapes team culture, policy, and services through collaboration with the University Development Office and the Senior Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, mentor, and manage direct reports to achieve fundraising priorities; establish clear expectations and provide regular feedback, including interim and annual evaluations; develop and lead strategies for professional development.
• Develop and maintain a collective development operating plan to cultivate and solicit prospects; work with partners to create a multi‑year plan aligned with School priorities.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Vice Dean, the Senior Leadership Team, and key stakeholders.
• Manage a small portfolio of key prospects and serve as a back‑up for select prospects.
• Collaborate with team members to expand the prospect base and drive productivity in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts.
• Partner with leadership to develop a compelling case of support and strategies for communications, events, stewardship, and proposals.
• Foster transparent, lasting relationships across the Harvard Chan community by collaborating with faculty and colleagues across offices such as Communications, ORSD, and Financial Services.
• Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of annual and multi‑year fundraising plans aligned with priorities.
• Advance a fundraising culture that leverages systems and tools for moves management, using the Advance database and related reporting; work with Strategy and Operations to define needed infrastructure.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
• 10+ years of fundraising and fundraising management experience; 7+ years of supervisory experience required
• Leadership and supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of fundraising and fundraising management with leadership/strategy experience in a complex organization preferred
• Minimum of seven (7) years of management experience with ability to motivate, engage, and manage staff, donors, volunteers, and academic leaders; ability to have difficult conversations
• Strong working knowledge of annual/reunion, major, planned, and principal gift programs; experience with volunteer fundraising
• Public speaking, presentation, and written communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multi‑task
• Experience with data‑driven decision making
• Understanding of giving principles, professionalism, and strong organizational skills
• Analytical skills and adaptability to change
• Excellent listening, influencing, and interpersonal skills
• Professional demeanor and ability to work with diverse individuals and handle sensitive situations
• Judgment and discretion in evaluating problems

Additional Information

• 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

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision 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
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks

Learn more about these benefits on the Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination

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 maintains an equal employment opportunity policy 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.