Wyss Institute at Harvard University · 1 week ago
Assistant Director, Strategic Engagement
Boston, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
7+ years expThe Wyss Institute at Harvard University is dedicated to transforming healthcare and the environment through innovative technologies. They are seeking an Assistant Director of Strategic Engagement to oversee donor identification, enhance stakeholder communication, and lead engagement strategies to expand the donor base and strengthen stewardship practices.
Biotechnology
No H1B
Responsibilities
Identify and engage new prospects to include into the Wyss community of partners, prospects and donors
Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, prospects, donors, staff, faculty and other key stakeholders to expand the Institute network or supporters
Represent the Institute at events, meetings and other engagement opportunities as needed
Provide strategic leadership in identifying gaps in data analysis, reporting, and workflows, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen insight-driven decision-making, donor strategy, and operational efficiency across stewardship functions
Partner in the development and implementation of new systems and tools that enable efficient, accurate, and timely proposal development, supporting major, principal, and institutional philanthropic initiatives of the Institute
Identify and shape compelling engagement programs and narratives that align target audience’ passions with institutional philanthropic priorities and campaign objectives
Direct data-informed program strategy, leveraging constituent research, engagement analytics, and philanthropic intelligence to assess current and prospective supporters’ interests, affinities, and capacity informing audience segmentation, cultivation pathways, and program evolution
Lead cross-functional execution of high-impact engagement strategies in collaboration with internal Wyss teams, overseeing engagement during Faculty Forums, Instrumentation, and other programs to cultivate, steward, and advance relationships with current and prospective supporters
Guide and prepare Faculty and Researchers to serve as effective philanthropic ambassadors by shaping curated scientific narratives and presentations that resonate with sophisticated, diverse audiences and intentionally surface transformational funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities
Exercise fiscal and operational leadership over program budgets and execution, collaborating with the Director of Strategic Engagement, Events, and Communications teams to ensure disciplined financial management, seamless logistics, and a consistently exceptional donor and prospects experience
Lead and implement stewardship best practices
Develop and deliver highly personalized, donor-centric and advancement materials—including rapid proposals, campaign tools, briefing documents, and annual reports—in partnership with the Communications team, Faculty, and Researchers to advance philanthropic priorities and institutional goals
Lead and steward all programs, overseeing end-to-end stewardship strategies, including renewal processes, donor and engagement touchpoints, recognition of newsworthy achievements, and timely dissemination of program updates that reinforce mission alignment and impact
Craft and execute strategic acknowledgement and recognition initiatives for philanthropic gifts, advisory council milestones, and partnership renewals, ensuring timely, thoughtful, and values-driven engagement that strengthens long-term relationships, donor confidence, and sustained institutional support
Support Wyss Instrumentation Program, an established lab enhancement and equipment program. Ensure user feedback from this program aligns with active usage of instruments and appropriate project alignment
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience working in donor fundraising and/or scientifically-oriented organizations
Advanced knowledge of fundraising required
Prior experience in a science or technology focused organization
Track record in engaging new donors and raising philanthropic funds
Excellent organizational skills and /or team leadership experience
Proven experience in Donor Relations and Stewardship, including the ability to cultivate relationships with diverse members and partners
Strong Analytical Skills and problem-solving abilities to interpret member data and devise effective strategies for engagement
Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively connect with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience in Stewardship Event Planning, including organizing and coordinating partner-focused events
Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment and prioritize tasks effectively
Preferred
Additional skills such as project management and familiarity with CRM systems are beneficial
Benefits
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
Company
Wyss Institute at Harvard University
The Wyss Institute at Harvard University is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to translating groundbreaking discoveries from the lab into real-world solutions for human and planetary health.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Angelika Fretzen
Technology Translation Director & COO
Recent News
2024-04-25
2024-04-25
2024-04-25
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