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Harvard University · 5 days ago

Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

15+ years exp

Harvard University is a vibrant community dedicated to advancing its world-changing mission. The Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations will lead a central team within the University Development Office to enhance philanthropic support from foundations and corporations, collaborating with various university leaders to align funding opportunities with university goals.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

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

Qualification

CorporateFoundation relationsFundraising experienceRelationship buildingTeam leadershipStrategic thinkingProject managementComputer literacyEmotional intelligenceInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

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

Computer literacy required must have experience with Windows-based PCs, prospect databases, and videoconferencing platforms

Preferred

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