Harvard Business School · 14 hours ago
Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights
Boston, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
10+ years expHarvard Business School is a leading institution dedicated to management education and thought leadership. The Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights plays a critical role in advancing the school's philanthropic priorities by leading prospect research and providing strategic oversight of research and due diligence efforts.
AlumniEducationHigher EducationUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Serve as lead authority for due diligence, ensuring a consistent and transparent process across External Relations and beyond
Develop and guide protocols aligned with Harvard University’s gift acceptance policies and international standards
Provide School leadership and the frontline with timely, strategic, and actionable risk assessments on prospective donors, corporations, and foundations to safeguard the School’s reputation and inform long-term fundraising strategy
Oversee research strategies to identify, qualify, and prioritize major and principal gift prospects in alignment with HBS fundraising priorities
Guide the team in translating wealth indicators, philanthropic patterns, and engagement/affinity scores into strategic insights that inform cultivation and solicitation strategies
Lead methodologies for accurate capacity ratings, including HBS evaluations and advanced financial analyses. Ensure that the research team provides proactive, consultative support to frontline fundraisers, offering tailored research, briefings, and strategy recommendations
Direct the design and use of lead tracking systems to monitor pipeline activity and identify emerging opportunities
Partner with ER IT to refine systems, models, and engagement scoring that support data-driven fundraising strategies
Ensure integration of research outputs into advancement systems for broad accessibility and strategic use
Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of prospect researchers and analysts, fostering a culture of rigor, innovation, and collaboration
Position the research team as a strategic thought partner to frontline fundraisers, providing consultative guidance and insights that elevate donor strategy and engagement
Promote professional development and active engagement in associations such as Apra and CASE
Serve as a visible leader across HBS, building partnerships with Development, Alumni Marketing & Communications, Alumni Relations, and University colleagues
Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
This role is responsible for other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in prospect research, advancement services, or development strategy, with significant leadership experience in higher education or complex nonprofit environments is required
Demonstrated expertise in capacity rating, wealth analysis, due diligence, and philanthropic risk assessment
Proven success in developing lead tracking systems, engagement scoring models, and data-driven fundraising strategies
Strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders
Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and upholding Harvard University policies
Preferred
Strategic leadership in advancement research and due diligence
Authority in reputational risk management
Skills in lead tracking, systems collaboration, and engagement scoring
Team leadership and consultative partnership with frontline fundraisers cross-school collaboration and influence
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
Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School is an educational institution that offers two-year residential programs leading to an MBA, Ph.D., or DBA degree. It is a sub-organization of Harvard University.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Doug Levin
Executive Fellow
Ralph James
Exec Dir, Alumni Relations
Recent News
Boston Globe
2026-01-03
2025-11-26
Quartz
2025-11-12
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